Airborne Fungus Allergen in Association with Residential Characteristics in Atopic and Control Children in a Subtropical Region

Airborne fungi were collected during the summer and winter seasons. A N6 Andersen sampler was used inside and outside the homes of 46 asthmatic children, 20 atopic children, and 26 nonatopic control children in the Taipei area. In addition, host and house characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. The indoor fungus concentrations of asthmatic and control groups were higher than those in atopic groups in summer, but there were no differences in total fungus concentrations among three groups in winter. Concentration differences among these three groups also occurred for Cladosporium and Penicillium in summer and for Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and yeast in the winter. Moreover, it was demonstrated that no differences in fungus concentration were observed between damp and dry homes. Penicillium concentrations appeared to be related to home dampness. Home dampness was associated with allergic symptoms in children with asthma and rhinitis. An association was also observed between the occurrence of Cladosporium and history of asthma.