@article {Osborne:September 2006:0905-6157:450,
author = "Osborne, Melissa",
author = "Reponen, Tiina",
author = "Adhikari, Atin",
author = "Cho, Seung-Hyun",
author = "Grinshpun, Sergey A.",
author = "Levin, Linda",
author = "Bernstein, David I.",
author = "LeMasters, Grace",
title = "Specific fungal exposures, allergic sensitization, and rhinitis in infants",
journal = "Pediatric Allergy and Immunology",
volume = "17",
year = "September 2006",
abstract = "Osborne M, Reponen T, Adhikari A, Cho S-H, Grinshpun SA, Levin L, Bernstein DI, LeMasters G. Specific fungal exposures, allergic sensitization, and rhinitis in infants.Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2006: 17: 450-457.© 2006 The Authors Journal compilation © 2006 Blackwell Munksgaard Indoor air quality has become increasingly important as we live in a society where the majority of our time is spent indoors. Specific attention has been drawn to airborne fungal spores as a factor affecting indoor air quality. This study targeted shortcomings of other studies by utilizing long-term air sampling and total fungal spore enumeration to determine associations between health outcomes and fungal spore concentrations. Infants (n = 144) were clinically evaluated and had skin prick tests (SPT) for 17 allergens. Airborne fungal spores were collected using a Button Personal Inhalable Sampler (SKC Inc.) for 48 h at a flow rate of 4 l/min. Sampling was conducted in the spring (March-May) or fall (August-October) in 2003-2004. Fungal spores were analyzed using microscopy-based total counting and identified to the genus/group level. Total spore and individual genus concentrations were analyzed for associations with rhinitis and positive SPT results. Overall, concentrations varied widely, between <2 and 2294 spores/m3. While no relationship was observed between SPT(+) and total fungal counts, several significant associations were found when analysis was conducted on the various fungal genera and health outcomes. Positive associations were obtained between: Basidiospores and rhinitis (p < 0.01), Penicillium/Aspergillus and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.01), and Alternaria and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.01). Inverse associations were found between: Cladosporium and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.05), and Cladosporium and SPT(+) to aeroallergens (p < 0.05). This study indicates that health outcome may vary by fungal genera; some fungal types may have sensitizing effects while others may have a beneficial role.",
pages = "450-457(8)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mksg/pai/2006/00000017/00000006/art00010"
doi = "doi:10.1111/j.1399-3038.2006.00414.x"
}