Immunoglobulin G antibodies to moulds in school-children from moisture problem schools

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate mould-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in children exposed to moisture and mould problems in their school, and the association between IgG antibodies and mould allergy, active or passive smoking and respiratory symptoms. Methods: IgG antibodies were studied to 24 moulds in 93 children from three moisture problem schools and in 33 children from a reference school. The antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared to positive adult sera. Results: There were no significant differences in mould-specific IgG concentrations between exposed and non-exposed school-children. Antibodies to moulds common in moisture damaged buildings were associated with allergic diseases, as well as with mould-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) or skin prick test (SPT) findings. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. versicolor were the moulds with the most consistent findings. Active and passive smoking were associated with low levels of antibodies to many moulds. Though the association between asthma, wheezing or cough symptoms, and IgG to moulds was not significant, 7 (39%) of the 18 children with multiple (> 7) elevated IgG findings suffered from asthma or wheezing. Conclusions: Allergy was, but asthma was not, associated with IgG antibodies to the moulds that can be found in moisture damaged buildings. However, no association was found between IgG antibodies to moulds and exposure to moisture and moulds in school.