[Identification and sensitization to environmental fungal spores in Lima City, Peru].

OBJECTIVE

To identify and registry the most important fungal spores trapped in our aerobiology station, as well as to report the prevalence of skin sensitization to these allergens.

METHODS

The pollen counts were made according to standardized technique with a Burkard seven days spore trap, following the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) through National Allergy Bureau (NAB) recommendations. The trap was installed on the roof of Clinica SANNA, El GOLF, San Isidro, which is 20 m high, 12°5'54"S 77°3'6"W in the west-south of the Lima urban area. The sampling period was performed from September 2020 to October 2021. Skin prick tests were carried out according to the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) in 200 patients (18 to 60 years old) with symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma, who were evaluated in the Allergology Service of Clinica SANNA el Golf. Allergenic extracts were applied, dust mites (), cat and dog danders, cockroach (Periplaneta americana), grass 6 mix, weed mix, molds (.), INMUNOTEK-Spain provided the extracts. We also tested other fungal allergens such as , a mixture of . from the DIATER-Argentina laboratory.

RESULTS

We identified spores of Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. The patients showed sensitization to (14%), . (13,5%), . (8%), (7%), (6%), (5,5%), . (3%), (2,5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The inhabitants of the south-western area of the urban city of Lima are exposed to different fungal spores with allergenic potential, with a higher concentration being identified during the summer/autumn months. Cutaneous sensitization is demonstrated in variable percentages to the fungal spores identified in this aerobiological sampling. The results of this study should be expanded and compared with data in the forthcoming years, identify seasonal and annual fluctuations and extend the traps to other locations in Lima.