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Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children

Osborne, Melissa M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973

Abstract Details

2005, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine : Industrial Hygiene (Environmental Health).
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 sampling and total fungal spore enumeration to determine associations between health outcomes and fungal spore concentrations, and between visible mold and air concentrations. In this study, fungal spore samples were collected using a Button Personal Inhalable Sampler (SKC, Inc.) for 48 hours at a flow rate of 4 L min-1. Sampling was conducted in 145 homes in the spring (March-May) or the fall (August-October). Fungal spores were analyzed using microscopy-based total counting and identified to the genus or group level. Homes were classified in an onsite home evaluation as moldy or non-moldy based on visible mold and moldy odor. Total spore and individual genus concentrations were analyzed for associations with rhinitis and positive skin prick test results (SPT+). Overall, concentrations varied widely, between < 2 and 2,294 spores m-3. No association was observed between visible mold and airborne concentrations. No relationship was observed with SPT(+) and total fungal counts. A non-significant trend was observed between total fungal spore count and the reporting of rhinitis in children (p=0.11). Several significant associations, including inverse associations, were observed, however, when analysis was conducted on the various mold genera and health outcomes. Positive associations were observed between: Basidiospores and rhinitis (p<0.01); Penicillium/Aspergillus and SPT(+) to any allergen (p=0.01); Alternaria and SPT(+) to any allergen (p<0.01); Inverse associations were observed between: Cladosporium and SPT(+) to any allergen (p<0.05) and Cladosporium and SPT(+) to aeroallergens (p=0.03). This study indicates that health outcome may vary by mold genera, such that some mold types may have more sensitizing effects, while others may play a beneficial role.
Dr. Tiina Reponen (Advisor)
56 p.
Biogeochemistry

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Osborne, M. M. (2005). Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Osborne, Melissa. Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children. 2005. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Osborne, Melissa. "Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1116252973
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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.