Burden of Fungal Allergic Reactions and Response to Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

Abstract

Background: Fungi are widely distributed in nature; they cause wide range of diseases. Allergic fungal diseases are of growing importance worldwide. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is a well established line for treating allergy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of various types of fungal allergens in allergic disease, and to estimate the efficacy of SCIT in treating such patients. Methodology: The study included 139 allergic patients; diagnosis of the causative allergic agent was done on the basis of history and skin prick test. Before starting SCIT program, patient symptoms were graded according to specific disease scoring system. Serum of Patients who have allergy against fungal elements where further examined for the level of specific IgE (sIgE) against the following fungal allergens: Alternaria alternate, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger, Examination was done before and after one year of treatment. The reduction of the disease score and the level of serum sIgE was calculated Results : Fungi sensitize 43% of allergic patients studied, Alternaria alternate was the most common fungal allergen detected in 67% of patient sensitized by fungal allergens. On the other hand, SCIT is an effective way to treat allergic disease associated with fungal disorders as detected by statistically significant reduction in allergic diseases scores and serum sIgE against different types of fungal allergens. Conclusion: Better attention must be given to educate population about measures to decrease fungal load in their environment. Also Immunotherapy must be considered in the management of fungal associated allergic diseases.