Penicillium; Aspergillus; Alternaria; Rhizopus; Fusarium; Cladosporium
The study of specific immunoglobulin E class antibodies to mold fungi allergens is conducted to assess the body's allergic sensitization on contact with microscopic fungal spores and their particles. This test allows determination of how the body reacts to mold fungi, detects the presence of allergy, and assesses the risk of seasonal or year-round allergic reaction development.
The test is especially important for patients with allergic symptoms occurring on contact with mold fungi — such as sneezing, runny nose, cough, eye itching, difficulty breathing, or bronchial asthma exacerbation. Test results help the physician precisely determine which fungi cause the allergic reaction and select effective prevention and treatment.
The study is used as part of comprehensive allergological diagnostics, as well as for monitoring the dynamics of the body's allergic response with prolonged fungal allergen contact. It may be useful for planning allergen-specific immunotherapy and assessing its efficacy.
Test composition
The test is performed based on venous blood, in which the concentration of specific IgE class immunoglobulins to mold fungi is determined.
The panel includes Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Cladosporium allergens.
Study method — enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunochemiluminescence assay (ImmunoCAP), with high sensitivity and specificity.
The test result reflects the specific IgE level, allowing determination of the degree of body sensitization to each mold fungus type.
Clinical significance
Determination of specific IgE to mold fungi helps the physician assess the character of the body's immune response on contact with fungal allergens, identify specific causative agents of allergic reactions, plan individual prevention measures including allergen contact limitation, monitor allergen-specific immunotherapy efficacy, and supplement the clinical picture and other laboratory test results for precise diagnosis of allergic diseases.
The test is especially useful for patients with allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma exacerbating on contact with mold fungi, and for dynamic monitoring of the body's allergic status.
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Blood is submitted fasting
- It is recommended to avoid alcohol the day before the test
- Before blood collection, it is advisable to avoid intense physical exertion and stressful situations
- The attending physician should be informed about taking hormonal medications, immunomodulators, and antihistamines.
- Appearance of seasonal or year-round allergic symptoms related to mold fungi contact.
- Recurring sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, or difficulty breathing.
- Bronchial asthma exacerbation when in rooms with high humidity or mold.
- Suspected allergic reaction to mold fungi and need to clarify the specific allergen.
- Planning allergen-specific immunotherapy.
An elevated specific IgE level indicates sensitization of the body to specific mold fungi, indicating a potential allergic reaction on contact with them.
A low specific IgE level may mean absence of significant sensitization or formation of immunological tolerance to allergens.
Final interpretation is performed by a physician considering the clinical picture, medical history, and other laboratory tests.
Which doctor to consult:
Allergist — for diagnosing allergic diseases, identifying causes of sensitization, interpreting test results, and selecting individual treatment tactics or allergen-specific immunotherapy
Immunologist — for assessing immune system status, analyzing immune response to allergens, and correcting immunological disorders if needed
General practitioner — for initial assessment of the patient's general condition, prescribing examinations, and referral to specialists
