Özet:

Objective: The determination of airborne fungal spore concentrations can be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of allergic diseases. The first aim was to investigate the effects of meteorologic factors on the changes of fungal spore concentrations atmosphere. The second aim was to test the usage of cell protein extracts which obtained from these atmospheric fungi in skin prick tests. Materials and Methods: The fungal spores were collected by means of a Burkard seven-day recording volumetric trap. Daily concentrations of Cladosporium and Alternaria spores have been recorded. The effects of the meteorological factors like temperature and relative humidity on the variation of spore concentrations have been investigated. Additionally, total cell protein extracts were prepared from fungi; these extracts were used in skin prick tests of 35 children with fungal allergy and 20 children as control group: the results were compared with standart fungal allergens. Results: During the study period, total 1.537.307 fungal spores were counted; 1.117.763 (73%) of them were defined as Cladosporium and 419.544 (%27) were Alternaria. The number of Cladosporium and Alternaria spores reached to maximum level at may with 314.477 of Cladosporium and 159.291 of Alternaria. The increase in number of fungal spores was detected especially in the presence of temperature between 15-25°C and in humidity of 60- 70%. The fungal extracts prepared in this study did not caused any reaction when applied in skin prick tests of the control group; in the fungal allergic children, the response of hyperemia and enduration was very similar to the those of the standart fungal allergens. Conclusion: The fungal spore concentrations in Adana were above the allergic threshold levels; and could be affected by various meteorologic factors. Additionally, when compared with the standart fungal allergens, the usage of protein extracts obtained from the atmospheric fungi in skin prick tests was found success full.

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