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Seasonal Distribution of Airborne Alternaria Spores
Abstracts S99
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 119, NUMBER 1
Allergen Recognizing Pattern in Patients Sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Lepidoglyphus destructor R. P. Reis1, A. P. Pires1, T. Fonseca2, R. Murta2, A. F. Ferra˜o1, L. A. Patrı´cio1, E. M. Tomaz1, F. C. Ina´cio1; 1Hospital S. Bernardo, Setu´bal, PORTUGAL, 2Amerlab DPC, Lisboa, PORTUGAL. RATIONALE: Allergic sensitization to storage mites, initially described in farm workers, is increasing in urban populations, co-sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. ptero) and Lepidoglyphus destructor (L. destructor) being commonly found. Consequently, it may be important to clarify the allergen recognition pattern of these patients, in order to select adequate immunotherapy. METHODS: We selected 4 patients sensitized to D. ptero and L. destructor whose specific IgE (performed by ImmunoCAP, PharmaciaÒ) to L. destructor showed higher values than that for D. ptero. Then we performed Immunoblot and Immunoblot inhibition (AlaBlot Inhibition Assay, DPCÒ) with D. ptero and L. destructor. RESULTS: In 3 patients there was Immunoblot inhibition of D. ptero with L. destructor extract, and no inhibition of L. destructor Immunoblot with D. ptero extract. The fourth patient showed Immunoblot inhibition of L. destructor with D. ptero extract, and no inhibition of D. ptero Immunoblot with L. destructor extract. CONCLUSIONS: In this study three patients with Specific IgE to D. ptero and L. destructor were primarily sensitized to L. destructor, showing some degree of cross-reactivity to D. ptero. The fourth patient was initially sensitized to D. ptero, showing some cross-reactivity to L. destructor. This study supports the importance of performing Immunoblot and Immunoblot inhibition assays, at least in patients with higher specific IgE levels to L. destructor, in order to better characterize these patients and define immunotherapy.
389
Airborne Spore Levels and Skin Test Reactivity in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina E. Levetin1, E. Horner2, E. Davis3, S. B. Lehrer4; 1University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 2Air Quality Science, Marietta, GA, 3Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, 4Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. RATIONALE: Exposure to elevated fungal spore levels can cause sensitization and is a risk factor for sensitized individuals. We examined airborne spore levels and skin test reactivity in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and resulting flooding. METHODS: Post-Katrina air samples collected with a Burkard spore trap on the roof of Ochsner Clinic (1 to 2 km from flooded areas) were compared with pre-Katrina samples. Two additional Burkard traps were set up 3 months after Katrina in flooded areas. Over 80 grab samples were collected from 9/12/05 through spring 2006. A random sample of 100 charts from Ochnser Clinic Allergy Department was analyzed to determine percent of patients SPT positive to fungal extracts. RESULTS: Outdoor samples showed a change in post-Katrina air spora when compared to the same period during previous years. Mean levels of Penicillium/Aspergillus (P/A) spores in October 2005 were 1562 spores/m3, significantly greater than Oct 2003 mean of 885 spores/m3 (t54.4, p<0.001). Chaetomium spores were also significantly greater (t59.2, p<0.001), while ascospores (t5-4,3, p<0.001) and basidiospores (t5-3.0, p<0.01) were lower. Eurotium ascospores and Stachybotrys conidia were detected in post-Katrina samples. Elevated levels of P/A and Chaetomium continued during fall 2005 at all locations. Grab samples throughout the fall also showed elevated P/A concentrations. No increase in mold-sensitivity was detected from SPT through June 2006. CONCLUSION: Following Katrina the composition of the air spora changed with significant increases in P/A and Chaetomium spores. Although no increase in mold sensitivity has yet been detected, further monitoring should continue since remediation related atypical exposures continue.
390
Indoor Molds and Allergic Potential M. D. W. Ward1, Y. Chung1, L. B. Copeland1, M. K. Selgrade1, S. Vesper2; 1US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2US EPA, Cincinnati, OH. RATIONALE: Damp/moldy environments have been associated with asthma exacerbation, but mold’s role in allergic asthma induction is less clear. Recently, 5 molds were statistically associated with water-damaged asthmatic homes in the Cleveland area. The asthma exacerbations were lower for asthmatic children from remediated homes compared to control asthmatics (non-remediated homes). This study’s objective was to assess 2 (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (SBE), Penicillium crustosum Group (PCG)) of these molds’ potential to induce allergic responses relative to house dust mite (HDM) in our mouse allergy/asthma model. Cladosporium cladosporiodes (CCE), a mold negatively associated with asthma in the Cleveland study, was included. METHODS: 8-10 week old, female BALB/c mice were exposed by intratracheal aspiration to doubling doses (5-80 mg) of mold extracts or HDM either 1X or 4X. Immediate airway responses following each exposure and methacholine challenge 1 day (D1) after the final exposure were assessed (penH). On D2 serum, bronchoaveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lungs were harvested. RESULTS: Multiple exposures to CCE and HDM induced significant increase in BALF total cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils compared to other treatments. One exposure to CCE induced significant neutrophilia. Only CCE induced significantly elevated levels of total IgE in BALF (4080mg) or serum (10, 40-80mg). However, PCG (80mg) induced elevated penH following each exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that CCE may be as or more potent at allergen/asthma induction then HDM. Additionally, PCG does not appear to be a potent allergen but may be an airway irritant (asthma exacerbation). (This abstract does not reflect EPA policies.)
391
Seasonal Distribution of Airborne Alternaria Spores J. D. K. McNairn; Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City,
MO. RATIONALE: Alternaria is one of the most recognizable of all spore types known to cause allergy. It is also the fungus most likely to cause a positive skin test. To investigate the yearly variation of airborne Alternaria spores we conducted the following. METHODS: Airborne spores were collected every 4 hours during the months of March thru October from 1998 to 2005 in Kansas City. Spores were collected on silicon grease coated glass slides using a Burkard volumetric sampler set atop a 5 story building. Slides were stained and preserved with Calberlas stain in glycerin jelly and counted microscopically at 1000x. Spore numbers were entered into an Access database and counts were displayed as spores per cubic meter of air. RESULTS: The distribution of airborne Alternaria spores was very consistent from year to year. Counts start low in the early spring (mean < 10 per cubic meter) and increase steadily until September (mean > 1500 spores per cubic meter). As temperatures decline spore counts then decrease until low levels are again achieved. The highest mean Alternaria count is achieved 245 days into the year (usually September 2). The greatest daily mean observed during the 8 year period was 6988 spores per cubic meter in both 2001 and 2002 and occurred on September 2 and September 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Airborne Alternaria spores are consistently found in the Midwestern United States. Levels rise from low winter and spring levels to peak in early September. Funding: Children’s Mercy Hospital
SUNDAY
388
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 119, NUMBER 1
Allergen Recognizing Pattern in Patients Sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Lepidoglyphus destructor R. P. Reis1, A. P. Pires1, T. Fonseca2, R. Murta2, A. F. Ferra˜o1, L. A. Patrı´cio1, E. M. Tomaz1, F. C. Ina´cio1; 1Hospital S. Bernardo, Setu´bal, PORTUGAL, 2Amerlab DPC, Lisboa, PORTUGAL. RATIONALE: Allergic sensitization to storage mites, initially described in farm workers, is increasing in urban populations, co-sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. ptero) and Lepidoglyphus destructor (L. destructor) being commonly found. Consequently, it may be important to clarify the allergen recognition pattern of these patients, in order to select adequate immunotherapy. METHODS: We selected 4 patients sensitized to D. ptero and L. destructor whose specific IgE (performed by ImmunoCAP, PharmaciaÒ) to L. destructor showed higher values than that for D. ptero. Then we performed Immunoblot and Immunoblot inhibition (AlaBlot Inhibition Assay, DPCÒ) with D. ptero and L. destructor. RESULTS: In 3 patients there was Immunoblot inhibition of D. ptero with L. destructor extract, and no inhibition of L. destructor Immunoblot with D. ptero extract. The fourth patient showed Immunoblot inhibition of L. destructor with D. ptero extract, and no inhibition of D. ptero Immunoblot with L. destructor extract. CONCLUSIONS: In this study three patients with Specific IgE to D. ptero and L. destructor were primarily sensitized to L. destructor, showing some degree of cross-reactivity to D. ptero. The fourth patient was initially sensitized to D. ptero, showing some cross-reactivity to L. destructor. This study supports the importance of performing Immunoblot and Immunoblot inhibition assays, at least in patients with higher specific IgE levels to L. destructor, in order to better characterize these patients and define immunotherapy.
389
Airborne Spore Levels and Skin Test Reactivity in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina E. Levetin1, E. Horner2, E. Davis3, S. B. Lehrer4; 1University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 2Air Quality Science, Marietta, GA, 3Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, 4Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. RATIONALE: Exposure to elevated fungal spore levels can cause sensitization and is a risk factor for sensitized individuals. We examined airborne spore levels and skin test reactivity in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and resulting flooding. METHODS: Post-Katrina air samples collected with a Burkard spore trap on the roof of Ochsner Clinic (1 to 2 km from flooded areas) were compared with pre-Katrina samples. Two additional Burkard traps were set up 3 months after Katrina in flooded areas. Over 80 grab samples were collected from 9/12/05 through spring 2006. A random sample of 100 charts from Ochnser Clinic Allergy Department was analyzed to determine percent of patients SPT positive to fungal extracts. RESULTS: Outdoor samples showed a change in post-Katrina air spora when compared to the same period during previous years. Mean levels of Penicillium/Aspergillus (P/A) spores in October 2005 were 1562 spores/m3, significantly greater than Oct 2003 mean of 885 spores/m3 (t54.4, p<0.001). Chaetomium spores were also significantly greater (t59.2, p<0.001), while ascospores (t5-4,3, p<0.001) and basidiospores (t5-3.0, p<0.01) were lower. Eurotium ascospores and Stachybotrys conidia were detected in post-Katrina samples. Elevated levels of P/A and Chaetomium continued during fall 2005 at all locations. Grab samples throughout the fall also showed elevated P/A concentrations. No increase in mold-sensitivity was detected from SPT through June 2006. CONCLUSION: Following Katrina the composition of the air spora changed with significant increases in P/A and Chaetomium spores. Although no increase in mold sensitivity has yet been detected, further monitoring should continue since remediation related atypical exposures continue.
390
Indoor Molds and Allergic Potential M. D. W. Ward1, Y. Chung1, L. B. Copeland1, M. K. Selgrade1, S. Vesper2; 1US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2US EPA, Cincinnati, OH. RATIONALE: Damp/moldy environments have been associated with asthma exacerbation, but mold’s role in allergic asthma induction is less clear. Recently, 5 molds were statistically associated with water-damaged asthmatic homes in the Cleveland area. The asthma exacerbations were lower for asthmatic children from remediated homes compared to control asthmatics (non-remediated homes). This study’s objective was to assess 2 (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (SBE), Penicillium crustosum Group (PCG)) of these molds’ potential to induce allergic responses relative to house dust mite (HDM) in our mouse allergy/asthma model. Cladosporium cladosporiodes (CCE), a mold negatively associated with asthma in the Cleveland study, was included. METHODS: 8-10 week old, female BALB/c mice were exposed by intratracheal aspiration to doubling doses (5-80 mg) of mold extracts or HDM either 1X or 4X. Immediate airway responses following each exposure and methacholine challenge 1 day (D1) after the final exposure were assessed (penH). On D2 serum, bronchoaveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lungs were harvested. RESULTS: Multiple exposures to CCE and HDM induced significant increase in BALF total cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils compared to other treatments. One exposure to CCE induced significant neutrophilia. Only CCE induced significantly elevated levels of total IgE in BALF (4080mg) or serum (10, 40-80mg). However, PCG (80mg) induced elevated penH following each exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that CCE may be as or more potent at allergen/asthma induction then HDM. Additionally, PCG does not appear to be a potent allergen but may be an airway irritant (asthma exacerbation). (This abstract does not reflect EPA policies.)
391
Seasonal Distribution of Airborne Alternaria Spores J. D. K. McNairn; Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City,
MO. RATIONALE: Alternaria is one of the most recognizable of all spore types known to cause allergy. It is also the fungus most likely to cause a positive skin test. To investigate the yearly variation of airborne Alternaria spores we conducted the following. METHODS: Airborne spores were collected every 4 hours during the months of March thru October from 1998 to 2005 in Kansas City. Spores were collected on silicon grease coated glass slides using a Burkard volumetric sampler set atop a 5 story building. Slides were stained and preserved with Calberlas stain in glycerin jelly and counted microscopically at 1000x. Spore numbers were entered into an Access database and counts were displayed as spores per cubic meter of air. RESULTS: The distribution of airborne Alternaria spores was very consistent from year to year. Counts start low in the early spring (mean < 10 per cubic meter) and increase steadily until September (mean > 1500 spores per cubic meter). As temperatures decline spore counts then decrease until low levels are again achieved. The highest mean Alternaria count is achieved 245 days into the year (usually September 2). The greatest daily mean observed during the 8 year period was 6988 spores per cubic meter in both 2001 and 2002 and occurred on September 2 and September 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Airborne Alternaria spores are consistently found in the Midwestern United States. Levels rise from low winter and spring levels to peak in early September. Funding: Children’s Mercy Hospital
SUNDAY
388