Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Osborne, Melissa M.
Language:English
Published: University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK 2005
Subjects:
Online Access:http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973
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spelling ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-ucin11162529732021-08-03T06:10:28Z Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children Osborne, Melissa M. Biogeochemistry Indoor air quality has become increasingly important as we live in a society where the majority of our time is spent indoors. Specific attention has been drawn to airborne fungal spores as a factor affecting indoor air quality. This study targeted shortcomings of other studies by utilizing long-term sampling and total fungal spore enumeration to determine associations between health outcomes and fungal spore concentrations, and between visible mold and air concentrations. In this study, fungal spore samples were collected using a Button Personal Inhalable Sampler (SKC, Inc.) for 48 hours at a flow rate of 4 L min-1. Sampling was conducted in 145 homes in the spring (March-May) or the fall (August-October). Fungal spores were analyzed using microscopy-based total counting and identified to the genus or group level. Homes were classified in an onsite home evaluation as moldy or non-moldy based on visible mold and moldy odor. Total spore and individual genus concentrations were analyzed for associations with rhinitis and positive skin prick test results (SPT+). Overall, concentrations varied widely, between < 2 and 2,294 spores m-3. No association was observed between visible mold and airborne concentrations. No relationship was observed with SPT(+) and total fungal counts. A non-significant trend was observed between total fungal spore count and the reporting of rhinitis in children (p=0.11). Several significant associations, including inverse associations, were observed, however, when analysis was conducted on the various mold genera and health outcomes. Positive associations were observed between: Basidiospores and rhinitis (p<0.01); Penicillium/Aspergillus and SPT(+) to any allergen (p=0.01); Alternaria and SPT(+) to any allergen (p<0.01); Inverse associations were observed between: Cladosporium and SPT(+) to any allergen (p<0.05) and Cladosporium and SPT(+) to aeroallergens (p=0.03). This study indicates that health outcome may vary by mold genera, such that some mold types may have more sensitizing effects, while others may play a beneficial role. 2005-07-14 English text University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
collection NDLTD
language English
sources NDLTD
topic Biogeochemistry
spellingShingle Biogeochemistry
Osborne, Melissa M.
Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children
author Osborne, Melissa M.
author_facet Osborne, Melissa M.
author_sort Osborne, Melissa M.
title Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children
title_short Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children
title_full Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children
title_fullStr Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children
title_full_unstemmed Long-Term Sampling Reveals the Beneficial Role of Fungi in Allergic Sensitization of Children
title_sort long-term sampling reveals the beneficial role of fungi in allergic sensitization of children
publisher University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK
publishDate 2005
url http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116252973
work_keys_str_mv AT osbornemelissam longtermsamplingrevealsthebeneficialroleoffungiinallergicsensitizationofchildren
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