Correlation between fungal antigens and IgE levels in Respiratory allergy patients-An Analysis in a South Indian Otolaryngology center.

Fungal spores are abundant in nature and much evidence is available to show that fungi can cause atopic clinical illnesses. Many of these fungal spores are lesser than 10microns in diameter and their deposition into lower airways is common. Fungal sensitization is a significant risk factor for developing asthma in later part of life. Present study was intended to explore the clinical profile of the individuals who were sensitized to different type of fungal allergens and find out the relationship between skin tests and laboratory markers (Total Serum IgE, peripheral eosinophils) in different types of allergen sensitivity individuals among various respiratory allergy patients. A retro prospective study was conducted on 570 patients who had visited allergy clinic from Jan 2000Sep 2009. Patients were selected based on symptoms of allergy. Investigations were done on patients experiencing such patients that included total serum IgE, peripheral eosinophil (%), skin tests; X-ray/CT Scan of paranasal sinuses, nasal endoscopy and spirometry were done wherever it was needed. Based on clinical findings, there were 292 males and 278 females visited hospital. Among skin tests performed, 68.4% were intra dermal and 31.6% were skin prick tests, 84.13% of individuals were found positive and 18.18% were found negative towards allergen sensitivity. From the positive skin tests obtained, numbers of patients sensitized to specific type of allergens were categorized and their demographic characters were discussed in the paper. Total IgE was found to be higher in individuals who were sensitive to fungal and other allergens followed by individuals who were sensitive only to other allergens (except fungi) in all categories of respiratory allergy patients which were discussed in paper.