B. Fischer et al., Coprinus comatus (shaggy cap) is a potential source of aeroallergen that may provoke atopic dermatitis, J ALLERG CL, 104(4), 1999, pp. 836-841
Background: Basidiospores are universal components in the air and establish
ed as important causes of respiratory allergies. Recent reports indicate th
at aeroallergens may aggravate eczematous skin lesions in subjects with ato
pic dermatitis (AD),
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether spores of Coprin
us comatus, a species of basidiomycetes, mag elicit delayed-type skin react
ions in subjects with an atopic predilection, especially dermatitis.
Methods: Sixty-six study subjects were categorized in groups having AD or r
espiratory allergy with regard to the skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to C
comatus extract. Twenty nonatopic individuals served as control subjects.
Atopy patch tests (APTs) were performed with extract of C comatus spore con
taining tissue at a concentration of 1.35 mg of protein per gram of petrola
tum (Vaseline) and C comatus cap at a concentration of approximately 5 mg o
f protein per gram of petroleum jelly. APT reactions were evaluated after 4
8 and 72 hours.
Results: Of the subjects with AD completing the study, 12 (32%) of 38 showe
d a positive APT reaction. with 8 (57%) also having a positive SPT response
to C comatus. Only 1 (9%) of 11 subjects with asthma had a positive SPT an
d APT response to C comatus. No positive test reaction was observed in the
nonatopic control subjects or in subjects with respiratory allergy and nega
tive SPT responses to C comatus.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that C comatus can induce delayed-type
reactions in atopic individuals, particularly in those with AD. Because spo
res of Coprinus species are ubiquitous, basidiomycetes have to be considere
d as possible aeroallergens when investigating causes of eczematous skin le
sions in AD.