Allergon mould allergens

Allergenic moulds are eukaryotic microorganism primarily belonging to the group of fungi imperfecti. Characteristic of these moulds is their ability to produce large amount of air born spores. Common allergenic moulds belong to the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium.

The prevalence of mould allergy is debated but sensitization to moulds is typically a risk factor for both allergic rhinitis and, in particular, allergic asthma.

Moulds are experts at adapting to their environment and can often shift morphology and protein expression pattern in response to changes in their surroundings. They thrive in damp environment and live on organic matter such as decaying plant materials. Some species are important plant pathogens, e.g. species of the Alternaria genera, and some are also considered human pathogens, for example Aspergillus fumigatus. Moulds typically have a very complex allergen profile, with many potential allergens, and there is a high incidence of cross-reactivity between species.