title: Environmental exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergen (Asp f I).
abstract: Asp f I is a major allergen produced by the mycelia of Aspergillus fumigatus. It is not present in spores and can be used as a specific marker for the detection of germination of this fungus. We investigated the domestic and outdoor concentration of Asp f I in Poole, U.K. and Charlottesville, VA, U.S.A. Asp f I was undetectable in 95% (281/296) of house dust extracts and present at low levels (< 0.17 micrograms/g of sieved dust, mean 0.038 micrograms/g) in the remainder. In contrast, Asp fI could be detected in 65% (15/23) of cultures of house dust, suggesting the presence of viable, but ungerminated, A. fumigatus in the majority of homes. Asp f I was detectable in 80% (28/35) of extracts of leaves and compost, but present in these outdoor samples at low levels (< 0.11 micrograms/g, mean 0.27 micrograms/g). Air sampling for Asp f I was undertaken before and after vigorous disturbances at indoor (n = 5) and outdoor (n = 6) sites. Airborne Asp f I was not detected in domestic samples or in undisturbed outdoor samples. Following disturbance it could be measured in outdoor samples (range 7.6-29 ng/m3). The results suggest that while exposure to A. fumigatus is common, exposure to Asp f I and germinating A. fumigatus is uncommon. It is probable that those individuals who develop antibody responses to Asp f I have been exposed to A. fumigatus which has germinated in their respiratory tract.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Sporik
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Arruda
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Woodfolk
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Platts-Mills
mesh_terms: D000388:Air / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000276:immunology*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006798:Housing; D006813:Humidity; D010944:Plants; D014768:Virginia
chemical_list: C081947:ASPF1 protein, Aspergillus fumigatus; D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D004391:Dust; D005656:Fungal Proteins