Prevalence of mold allergy in patients with allergic rhinitis referred to Semnan clinic of allergy

Introduction: Environmental control of allergens and irritants is the essential part of allergy control and management. Molds are among important aeroallergens which can proliferate enormously in both indoor and outdoor environments, especially in poor ventilated humid milieus. The prevalence of mold sensitization and some related factors in allergic rhinitis patients were investigated in the current study. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 300 patients with the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis who referred to Semnan (Iran) allergy clinic during 2006-7 were selected and underwent skin prick test with standard extracts of allergens. "Wheal and Flare” reaction of each of the allergens were compared with negative control and wheals of 3 mm larger than wheal of negative control and flares of 10 mm larger than flare of the negative control were considered as positive and the patient were regarded as sensitized to that allergen. Results: 26.7 %( 95% Confidence Interval: 21/7-31/7%) of patients demonstrated to have been sensitized to one or more allergenic molds. Aspergillus (12.3%) and Penicillium (8.3%) were shown to be the most and the least commons allergenic molds, respectively. Cladosporium (11%) and Alternaria (10.7%) were among the important allergenic molds. There was no relationship between the prevalence of mold allergy with urban and rural environments, and also patients’ gender. A significant association was only observed between age and Alternaria sensitization (P=0.036), but not found with other molds (P>0.05). Conclusion: Mold sensitization is a relatively common finding among patients with allergic rhinitis. Elimination or reduction of mold exposure in allergic patients is of special consideration and measures to reduce environmental factors which facilitate mold growth and proliferation is very important.