Marker antigens to assess exposure to molds and their allergens. II. Alternaria alternata

The estimation of exposure to molds and their products in the indoor enviro nment, which may lead to the occurrence of allergies or respiratory complai nts, by means of enumeration of viable parts is inadequate. Therefore, othe r methods must be developed. When grown under various circumstances (22 deg rees C and 30 degrees C, high and low water activity) under laboratory cond itions, Alternaria alternata produces one antigen that can be found under a ll studied growth conditions in extracts of the water-soluble portion of th e mycelium. This common antigen may serve as marker antigen for exposure to A. alternata and its allergens. In extracts of the culture filtrate, three antigens, designated index antigens, have been identified that together ma y have the function of marker for the exposure to allergens of A. alternata .