EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASPECTS OF ALLERGIC ASPERGILLOSIS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (3) , 215-218
Abstract
The incidence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABA) seems much less in the USA than in Great Britain. The suggestion that there are differences in the atmospheric burden of Aspergillus fumigatus prompted an evaluation of skin reactivity to A. fumigatus in a St. Louis, Missouri, USA clinic population. Immediate skin reactivity was found significantly less than to Alternaria, a common Midwest mold. Because of the association of A. fumigatus with decaying vegetation, compost piles in the St. Louis area were cultured. Hot or working piles were extremely rich in A. fumigatus; cold or finished piles were devoid of this organism. A group of non-atopic organic farmers showed no serum precipitating antibody to A. fumigatus. Active asthmatics with immediate skin reactivity to A. fumigatus should avoid exposure to working compost piles.

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