Skin hypersensitivity to molds

Abstract

1. Skin hypersensitivity by intracutaneous test to a glycerin buffer extract of molds was detected in 12 per cent (154) of 1,259 patients. This alone does not establish etiologic relationship. The absence of reaction in the remainder seems to exclude simple irritative responses. 2. One hundred fifty-four patients tested with extracts of 9 species of molds gave 333 positive reactions; an average of 2.2 molds per patient. Of this group, 13.6 per cent reacted to no stock allergen. The Santa Fe group, representing 15.5 per cent of the total patients tested, showed an especially large proportion of true allergic conditions with accompanying pollen sensitivities. In spite of this, but 13 per cent of this group was mold sensitive. The possible significance of residence in a dry climate is discussed in this connection. 3. Molds previously suspected in allergic or other clinical conditions reacted most frequently in this series. Alternaria gave 20 per cent of all mold reactions, and 57 per cent of all mold sensitivities were included with it. 4. No major antigenic factor was noted among the results for four species of Aspergillus. 5. Sex seems to be no factor in mold sensitivity. 6. Seventy-five per cent of all mold-sensitive patients were less than forty years old, even though the entire series studied has a relatively low ratio of individuals under twelve years. The age of forty years is more or less a dividing point between true and pseudoallergic periods.