Marker antigens to assess exposure to molds and their allergens.I. Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract

Background: Exposure to molds and mold products in the indoor environment may lead to allergies, asthma, or respiratory complaints in general. Enumeration of viable parts of molds in the environment is insufficient to estimate exposure. Therefore, other methods have to be developed. Methods: Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) was grown under various circumstances (22°C and 30°C, high and low water activity) in the laboratory. At various moments during culture, extracts were taken, and antigen and allergen content was examined by acrylamide electrophoresis and immunoblot. Results: In extracts of the culture filtrate, two antigens were found to be produced under all studied growth conditions (common antigens). In the extracts of the water‐soluble portion of the mycelium, one common antigen was found. Conclusions: The three common antigens may serve as marker antigens for exposure to Af and its products. In view of the simultaneous presence of two of these common antigens with Af allergens, these two marker antigens may be used to estimate exposure to allergens of Af.