Abstract
ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study is to highlight the kind of indoor aeroallergens and assess their role in asthma severity in children from Annaba city (Algeria). Our study concerned 68 asthmatic children and 50 healthy children. All children's blood samples were obtained to determine biological parameters, followed by home visit to these children to assess meteorological parameters and fungal exposure. It was found that the asthma severity was associated with eosinophilia (χ2, p = 0.01), rate of total IgE (χ2, p < 0.001) and sensitization to indoor aeroallergens. This association between the severity of the disease and sensitization was strengthened with the presence of mites (χ2, p < 0.01) and pets, namely cats (p < 0.001). Moreover, all houses of asthmatic children contain fungal spores, which were also associated with the sensitization to fungi (χ2, p < 0.001). The average indoor temperature and humidity in the houses of asthmatic children represent favorable conditions for the growth of mold and development of mites, whose presence, especially Cladosporium and Alternaria, was associated with sensitization to fungi and severity of asthma. The strongest sensitization was found with dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p1 (d1) and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der f2 (d2)) which is closely associated with asthma severity.
Highlights
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting around 5–16% people worldwide (Akinbami et al, 2012), and its prevalence is in perpetual growth, especially in children
The strongest sensitization was found with dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p1 (d1) and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der f2 (d2)) which is closely associated with asthma severity
According to the description of asthmatic population, we found that the majority of them had moderate asthma (33.82%) and mild asthma (29.41%), and a few of them (23.53%) had severe asthma
Summary
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting around 5–16% people worldwide (Akinbami et al, 2012), and its prevalence is in perpetual growth, especially in children. This percentage is rising due to demographic growth and lifestyle changes. It is well known that genetic factors as well as the presence of allergens in the environment are the main causes for triggering asthma in children. We spend 80–95% of our lives in indoor environments and breathe approximately 10 m3 of air per day (Dacarro et al, 2003) containing a large number of fungal spores. Literature reviews suggest that children living in damp houses, houses with mold growth, or both are more likely
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