DESENSITIZATION TO ALTERNARIA AND OTHER M OLDS

Allergy to moulds has been known for several decades. An aetiological approach to the treatment of these allergies is becoming increasingly feasible. The study of moulds present in the atmosphere is the first a pproach to demonstration of the presence of the aetiological agent. Th e problem of the quality of allergenic extracts also needs to be consi dered. Few standardized extracts are available, for Alternaria and Cla dosporium, although these moulds are frequently responsible. The resul ts of several controlled trials with these two allergens demonstrate t he efficacy of desensitization.