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Environmental Aerobiological Studies in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Author(s) -
Beaumont F.,
Kauffman H. F.,
Sluiter H. J.,
Vries K.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1984.tb02623.x
Subject(s) - exacerbation , allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis , aspergillus , spore , aspergillus fumigatus , aspergillosis , immunology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , immunoglobulin e , antibody
An aerobiological pilot study was undertaken to measure airborne concentrations of Aspergillus spores in and around the dwellings of two patients with allergic broncho‐pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The aim of the investigation was 1) to find a specific source of Aspergillus antigen, and 2) to find out whether disease activity, or exacerbation, paralleled Aspergillus spore prevalence. In the environment of the first patient heavy spore contaminated air was found in a cow‐shed, and the adjacent hayloft and scullery. The patient experienced no typical exacerbation during the study period, probably because she now scrupulously avoided this source. The environment of the second patient contained lower spore concentrations in and around the house, and the patient had no typical exacerbation, possibly due to low‐intensity exposure. Both patients, however, had increased bronchial obstruction during periods with high Aspergillus spore content in the outside air. The results suggest that avoidance of Aspergillus spore sources and low overall exposure may play a major role in preventing exacerbation of the disease.