Determination of fungal frequency and comparison of allergic symptoms related with buildings and fungi in Afyon, Turkey

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the respiratory symptoms and atopic sensitization to fungi and its relation with the building type where school children were attending. We also compared the prevalence of sensitization to different fungi and respiratory symptoms in 2 different school buildings in a particular area of Turkey.

METHODS: Using simple random sampling, 301 school children aged 16-19 years attending a high school in 2 different school buildings (old and new buildings) were recruited and agreed to participate in the study. The study was conducted in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey from August 2003 to August 2004. Information on allergic diseases, building related symptoms and respiratory symptoms of the students was collected by questionnaire. Skin prick test (SPT) was performed to all students. Fungal concentrations and genera were determined by using Petri Plate Gravitational Settling Method.

RESULTS: In both buildings, throughout all seasons, the most common fungi species seen were Penicillium and Cladosporium. When SPT was performed, the most allergen fungi seen in new building was Epidermophyton and Penicillium in the old building. The SPT results were also related with building related symptoms, except Alternaria.

CONCLUSION: When the 2 groups were compared, it was observed that there were no statistically significant differences between them in regards with asthma, allergic diseases, building related symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. No significant difference was determined between these 2 buildings in accordance to fungus concentration, although the humidity rate was higher in new buildings.