Indoor fungal diversity in primary schools may differently influence allergic sensitization and asthma in children

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Cavaleiro Rufo, J (Author) Other; Madureira, J (Author) Other; Paciência, I (Author) Other; Aguiar, L (Author) Other; Pereira, C (Author) Other; Silva, D (Author) Other; Padrão, Patrícia (Author) FCNAUP; Moreira, Pedro (Author) FCNAUP; Delgado, L (Author) Other; Annesi Maesano, I (Author) Other; Oliveira Fernandes, E (Author) Other; Teixeira, JP (Author) Other; Moreira, André (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Vol. 28

Pages: 332-339

ISSN: 0905-6157

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 35 Citations

Scopus - 42 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-5C0

DOI: 10.1111/pai.12704

Abstract (EN): Background: Childhood exposure to microbiologic agents may influence the development of allergic and respiratory diseases. Apart from home, children spend most of their time at school, which represents an environment of significant exposure to indoor air microbes. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the prevalence of allergic sensitization and asthma in schoolchildren is affected by microbiologic exposure within classrooms. Methods: Spirometry with bronchodilation, exhaled nitric oxide measurements and skin-prick tests data were retrieved from 858 children aged 8¿10 years attending 71 classrooms in 20 primary schools. Air samples were collected in all classrooms using a single-stage microbiologic air impactor through agar plates. Gram-negative endotoxins were collected using flow control pumps and analysed by limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Diversity scores were established as the number of different fungal species found in each classroom. Results: Classrooms with increased diversity scores showed a significantly lower prevalence of children with atopic sensitization, but not asthma. The risk of sensitization increased with increasing endotoxin exposure in classrooms. Similarly, significantly higher concentrations of Penicillium spp were found in classrooms with a higher number of children with atopic sensitization. Conclusions: Although no causal relationships could be established, exposure to higher fungal diversity was protective against allergic sensitization but this was not seen for asthma. In contrast, higher exposure to Gram-negative endotoxins and Penicillium spp in primary school¿s classrooms was associated with increasing odds of allergic sensitization in children. © 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific