Indoor fungal exposure: What impact on clinical and biological status regarding Aspergillus during cystic fibrosis

• Published in: Journal de mycologie médicale 2015-06, Vol.25 (2), p.136-142
• Main Authors: Pricope, D, Deneuville, E, Frain, S, Chevrier, S, Belaz, S, Roussey, M, Gangneux, J-P
• Format: Article
• Language: fre
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Air Microbiology; Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis; Aspergillus - isolation & purification; Child; Child, Preschool; Cystic Fibrosis - complications; Cystic Fibrosis - epidemiology; Cystic Fibrosis - microbiology; Female; France - epidemiology; Fungi - classification; Fungi - isolation & purification; Humans; Male; Occupational Exposure - analysis; Pulmonary Aspergillosis - epidemiology; Pulmonary Aspergillosis - microbiology; Residence Characteristics; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1773-0449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2015.03.005

The sources of exposure during diseases due to Aspergillus fungi in cystic fibrosis patients are still poorly explored. We assessed home fungal exposure in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and analysed its impact on the presence of Aspergillus biological markers, the colonisation of airways, as well as the sensitization and Aspergillus serology. Between March 2012 and August 2012, 34 patients benefited from a visit performed by a home environment medical adviser including sampling for mycological analysis. The number of colonies of Aspergillus was not significantly different in the various sampling sites (P=0.251), but the number of non-Aspergillus colonies was much higher in the kitchen (P=0.0045). Subsequently, home fungal exposure was compared between the groups "absence of Aspergillus-related markers" and "presence of Aspergillus-related markers". Home exposure to Aspergillus (P=0.453) and non-Aspergillus (P=0.972) flora was not significant between the 2 groups. Within this series of 34 patients that should be expanded, we note an absence of clear relationship between home exposure and the Aspergillus-linked markers in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. This result should be taken into account regarding too restrictive hygiene advices provided to families, given the fact that fungal exposure can also results from activities performed away from home.