[Allergy caused by Alternaria in children].

For many years molds have considered to be important causes of rhinitis and asthma but since they have been poorly studied many questions remain unanswered. Allergological and epidemiological considerations have been made by the authors concerning the role of the Alternaria tenuis in respiratory diseases in children. 253 subjects were skin tested, 9.48 percent had an immediate reaction, 3.55 were also positive to the fungus only. Good correlation was observed between positive skin tests and RAST (66%). This study confirmed that probably Alternaria tenuis has an important role as immunopathogen for rhinitis and asthma in children. The authors discuss epidemiological considerations and related problems.