Taxonomy of Allergenic Fungi

Aeroallergens in Canada: Distribution, Public Health Impacts, and Opportunities for Prevention

“…Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that grow all over the world, in the presence of moisture and carbohydrates [40,41]. Currently, fungi are organized into eight phyla, three of which produce important aeroallergens: (1) Zygomycota ; (2) Ascomycota ; and (3) Basidiomycota [41,42,43].…”

“…Currently, fungi are organized into eight phyla, three of which produce important aeroallergens: (1) Zygomycota ; (2) Ascomycota ; and (3) Basidiomycota [41,42,43]. Fungi produce spores on maturity, through both sexual and asexual mechanisms [44,45].…”

“…Fungi produce spores on maturity, through both sexual and asexual mechanisms [44,45]. The asexual spores produced by mitosis appear to be the most allergenic [41,46]. In addition to molecules on the surfaces of spores, fungi also secrete enzymes into their environment that can act as allergens in sensitized individuals [41,47].…”

“…The asexual spores produced by mitosis appear to be the most allergenic [41,46]. In addition to molecules on the surfaces of spores, fungi also secrete enzymes into their environment that can act as allergens in sensitized individuals [41,47]. Fungi spores have low mass and can remain suspended in the air for varying periods of time depending on the weather [48].…”

“…Because pollen grains from anemophilous plants are one of the most important allergen sources in the outdoor air [57], their role in development of asthma and allergy needs further exploration. Spores from fungi are also important aeroallergens that have been linked to allergic reactions [41,46] and in some studies potentially also to the risk of asthma development [71]. …”