Fungal mold Alternaria alternata, m6

Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) is predominantly an outdoor mold, but it can also be found indoors. The genus Alternaria, a member of the Pleosporaceae family, includes more than 270 species of dematiaceous (black) hyphomycetes. Their distribution is influenced by geography, seasonality, atmospheric conditions, and time of day. A. alternata spores are widespread on dry, warm, and windy days and usually peak in summer and early autumn. They can also be found in the soil.

A. alternata is a cosmopolitan mold and one of the most common fungal sensitizers with a sensitization prevalence of 0.2% to 14.4% worldwide.

Inhalation of A. alternata spores is associated with hypersensitivity of the upper and lower respiratory tract, mainly asthma and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis and hypersensitive pneumonitis may also develop. A. alternata allergens are found in both conidia and mycelia. Alt a 1 is the main allergen and a marker of genuine sensitization to A. alternata. Sensitization to A. alternata is often associated with sensitization to other molds and other airborne sources of allergens such as pollen and mites. Co-sensitization and cross-reactivity to certain food allergens have also been reported.

Determination of specific IgE in human blood to - Fungal mold Alternaria alternata, m6, shows the body's reaction to this allergen.

Analysis method: ImmunoCAP method (Immunofluorescence in the solid phase)

Units of measurement: kU/l

Biomaterial for research: venous blood