Correlation between Alt a 1 levels and clinical symptoms in Alternaria alternata-monosensitized patients

Alternaria alternata is a risk factor for developing asthma.Alt a 1, which has been described as the major allergen in A alternata, shows a good correlation with A alternata spores only when they have germinated. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between spore counts and clinical symptoms in patients with allergic asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to A alternata. Two types of samplers were used to determine exposure: a Burkard spore trap to collect A alternata spores and a high-volume air sampler to collect airborne particles. A total of 366 air filters were collected. Alt a 1 levels were measured by monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eighteen monosensitized patients were asked to record their daily symptoms throughout the year. A alternata spores were detected throughout the year, whereas Alt a 1 was detected only between March and December. Symptoms showed positive and significant correlations with spore counts (r=0.459, P