Prevalence of hypersensitivity to specific fungal allergens as determined by intradermal dilutional testing

Abstract

Objective: To determine fungal allergen reactivity prevalence by intradermal dilutional testing in patients with and without chronic rhinitis or rhinosinusitis symptoms. Study Design: Prospective comparison of fungal allergen reactivity prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Setting: University medical center. Methods: Group I (chronic rhinitis and/or rhinosinusitis symptoms) and Group II (asymptomatic) patients underwent intradermal dilutional testing with usual and fungal allergens. Results: Fungal reactivity occurred in 65% (13/20) of Group I, and 13% (4/30) of Group II ( P < 0.0002 by χ 2 testing). Group I was more reactive to non-fungal allergens (85% vs. 33%, p < 0.0004), and to all allergens considered together (95% vs. 40%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Patients with chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis symptoms were more reactive to fungal and nonfungal allergens. Fungal allergens were as likely as nonfungal to elicit reactivity. Significance: These findings suggest a role for fungal hypersensitivity in chronic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:491-4.)