![](/images/graphics-bg.png)
Increased Sensitization to Mold Allergens Measured by Intradermal Skin Testing following Hurricanes
Joint Authors
Source
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
Issue
Vol. 2017, Issue 2017 (31 Dec. 2017), pp.1-5, 5 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2017-04-09
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
5
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Objective.
To report on changes in sensitivity to mold allergens determined by changes in intradermal skin testing reactivity, after exposure to two severe hurricanes.
Methods.
A random, retrospective allergy charts review divided into 2 groups of 100 patients each: Group A, patients tested between 2003 and 2010 prior to hurricanes, and Group B, patients tested in 2014 and 2015 following hurricanes.
Reactivity to eighteen molds was determined by intradermal skin testing.
Test results, age, and respiratory symptoms were recorded.
Chi-square test determined reactivity/sensitivity differences between groups.
Results.
Posthurricane patients had 34.6 times more positive results (p<0.0001) at weaker dilutions, all tested molds were found to be more reactive, and 95% had at least one positive test versus only 62% before the hurricanes (p<0.0001); average mold reactivity was 55% versus 16% while 17% of patients reacted to the entire panel versus none before the hurricanes (p<0.0001).
The posthurricane population was younger (p<0.001) and included more patients with asthma or lower respiratory symptoms (p<0.05).
Conclusion.
Reactivity and sensitization to mold allergens increased compared to patients before the hurricanes.
This supports climatologists’ hypothesis that environmental changes resulting from hurricanes can be a health risk as reflected in increased allergic sensitivities and symptoms and has significant implications for physicians treating patients from affected areas.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Saporta, Diego& Hurst, David. 2017. Increased Sensitization to Mold Allergens Measured by Intradermal Skin Testing following Hurricanes. Journal of Environmental and Public Health،Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1175539
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Saporta, Diego& Hurst, David. Increased Sensitization to Mold Allergens Measured by Intradermal Skin Testing following Hurricanes. Journal of Environmental and Public Health No. 2017 (2017), pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1175539
American Medical Association (AMA)
Saporta, Diego& Hurst, David. Increased Sensitization to Mold Allergens Measured by Intradermal Skin Testing following Hurricanes. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2017. Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1175539
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1175539