As the modern world continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly
apparent that our indoor environment can have a huge impact on our
health. Molds (also know as fungi) are ubiquitous in the environment
and can concentrate in homes, offices and public buildings. It is
estimated that the annual work impairment costs associated with pollen/mold
exposure are between $5.4-7.7 billion dollars in the US alone!
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Several
fungal species have been associated with allergic reactions, the
most common of which include the genera Alternaria, Celphalosporium
and Aspergillus. The yeast Candida albicans is also an important
allergen. In outdoor environments worldwide, the spores and mycelium
debris of Alternaria and Cladosporium are most abundant from spring
through to the fall. The degradation of leaves and biomaterial in
the environment are the primary sources of these molds. The predominate
molds isolated indoors include Aspergillus and Penicillium and are
generally not subject to seasonal changes. In fact, these fungi
have increased in abundance over the last 25 years as homes are
furnished with more energy saving insulation.
Symptoms
that have been associated with mold allergies include wheezing,
allergic rhinitis, asthma, croup, bronchitis and even pneumonia.
Research has demonstrated a strong association between early exposure
and sensitization to indoor allergens and subsequent wheezing and
asthma in children. In fact, statistics estimate that as many as
1 in 3 inner-city children are afflicted with indoor and/or inhalant
allergens. In adults, mold allergies are thought to independently
contribute to the initiation and/or perpetuation of reactive airway
disease.
In
the sensitive host, molds are capable of stimulating an antigen-specific
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response. When IgE attaches to specific IgE
receptors, mast cells are activated with subsequent release of inflammatory
mediators and chemotactic factors. This inflammatory response mediated
by mold allergies is what affects the upper and lower respiratory
tract. What can be confusing for both patient and clinician is the
delayed response to mold allergens. For this reason, testing for
specific IgE mold allergens can be invaluable way to identify the
offending molds.
Genova
Diagnostic Laboratory now offers
an allergy profile exclusively for
IgE Molds. The panel includes 15
of the most commonly isolated molds.
This test can be ordered separately,
or as an adjunct test when performing
the IgE Inhalants Profile. The latter
panel has a combined mold antibody,
and when positive confirms the need
to further investigate the specific
mold allergen.
All lab tests can be done through the
mail in the privacy of your own home,
except blood tests, we send you to
a lab to have your blood drawn for
these. After you pay for the test we
mail you the kit, the results take
two weeks, the test results will be
mailed to us and we will call you
to go over the results, its that easy!
All tests include the consultation
for the report of findings.
Click on test of interest on the right
for more information.
Call our office for details
800-956-7083 OR 818-707-3126
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