Clinical and allergological characteristics of patients with combined pollen and fungal sensitization

Abstract

Background. To evaluate the prevalence and clinical outcomes caused by combined pollen and fungal sensitization in Samara region. Materials and methods. The general and allergological observation of patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma was performed: detection of specific IgE level to fungal extracts and other respiratory allergens (RIDA Allergyscreen, R-Biopharm, Germany), and to Alt a 1, Art v 1, Amb a 1 molecules (Phadia 250 ImmunoCap ISAC). Results. Patients were diagnosed with hypersensitivity to various groups of allergens, including fungal and pollen allergens. Sensitization to Alternaria predominated among patients allergic to fungi. Combined fungal and pollen sensitization was found among 13% adults and 17% children. Sensitization to Alternaria is a risk factor of asthma in childhood. Detection of specific IgE to Alt a 1 confirmed true sensitization in 60%; sensitization to Alt a 1 was found in 10% of patients with true artemisia and ambrosia sensitization. Data obtained coordinate with results of regional aeropolinologic monitoring, which confirms the high significance of genera Alternaria and weed pollen in provoking respiratory allergy in Samara, especially during the period from the 3rd decade of July, which is characterized by pick concentration level of these allergens in the air and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and asthma in sensitive patients. Conclusion. The existence of combined fungal and pollen sensitization influence the clinical outcomes and propose application of personalized treatment methods.

Keywords

• fungal sensitization
• pollen sensitization
• allergic rhinitis
• asthma