Mold Sensitization in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Background: . It is estimated that about 10% of the population have IgE antibodies to common inhalant molds. Exposure to fungal allergens could be linked to the presence and persistence of asthma, rhinitis and  atopic dermatitis.  Mold sensitization is a risk factor for development and deterioration of upper airway allergy , especially chronic rhinosinusitis.We addressed the incidence of mold allergy measured as specific IgE  to molds and skin prick tests in chronic sinusitis patients. We assessed prevalence of allergic reactions to mould among surgery treated  chronic sinusitis patients.

Methods: A group of 28 chronic sinusitis patients  after surgery were included into the study. Routine medical examination, skin prick tests with common inhaled allergens and extended mold panel (Alternaria alternate ,  Cladosporium herbarium, Aspergilus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Mucor mucedo, Botrytis cinerea, Rhisopus nigricans, Penicilliumi notatum, Fusarum moniliforme Pullularia pullulans ( Allergopharma, Germany), tIgE, asIgE measurement were performed ( Phadia, Sweden). All investigated patients were consulted  by laryngologist  and mycological examination was performed

Results: We found that sensitization to at least one allergen was present in  43,8% (14/32) of sinusitis patients. The most prevalent was sensitization to house dust mite Dermatophagoides pt., found in 21,8 % ( 7/32) patients. Positive  results of skin prick tests with Candida albicans we observed in 18,8% (6/32), with Alternaria alternate  in 15,6% (5/32), Cladosporium herbarium in 6,3%  (2/32), Aspergilus fumigatus in 3,13 % (1/32). None of  investigated patients presented sensitization to other  mold allergens. Microbiological methods demonstrated  fungal infection  only in two patients

Conclusions: Almost half of chronic sinusitis patients presented sensitization to at least one allergen. Fungal allergy is relatively rare in chronic sinusitis patients.