Particle size distribution of the major Alternaria alternata allergen, Alt a 1, derived from airborne spores and subspore fragments

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2020Source: Fungal BiologyAuthor(s): Łukasz Grewling, Paweł Bogawski, Agata Szymańska, Małgorzata Nowak, Łukasz Kostecki, Matt SmithAbstractFungal fragments are abundant immunoreactive bioaerosols that may outnumber the concentrations of intact spores in the air. To investigate the importance of Alternaria fragments as sources of allergens compared to Alternaria spores, we determined the levels of Alternaria spores and Alt a 1 (the major allergen in Alternaria alternata spores) collected on filters within three fractions of particulate matter (PM) of different aerodynamic diameter: (1) PM>10, (diameter>10μm); (2) PM2.5-10 (2.5-10μm); (3) PM2.5 (0.12-2.5μm). The airborne particles were collected using a three stage high-volume ChemVol cascade impactor during the Alternaria sporulation season in Poznań, Poland (30 days between 6 July and 22 September 2016). The quantification of Alt a 1 was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High concentrations of Alt a 1 were recorded during warm and dry days characterized by high sunshine duration, lack of clouds and high dew point values. Atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria spores correlated significantly (r=0.930, p<0.001) with Alt a 1 levels. The highest Alt a 1 was recorded in PM2.5-10 (66.8% of total Alt a 1), while the lowest in PM2.5 (<1.0%). Significantly more Alt a 1 per spore (>30%) was observed in PM2.5-10 than in PM>10. This Alt a 1 excess may...

Source: Fungal Biology - February 23, 2020 Category: Biology Source Type: research