The role and abatement of fungal allergens in allergic diseases

Sensitivity to a variety of fungi is known to be a factor in allergic rhini tis and asthma. In this review methods for measuring exposure to fungi in t he indoor environment are evaluated. A variety of markers for the presence of fungi are also described in addition to their known relationship to eith er toxic or adverse immunologic effects. Key studies documenting the clinic al effects of different types of fungi are also reviewed, as well as a desc ription of abatement methods that either have been successful or need furth er investigation. Although many studies have shown an association between e xposure to fungi and allergic disease, in many cases a direct cause-and-eff ect relationship has not been established. Improved knowledge of the epidem iology and mechanisms behind fungal-induced human disease will hopefully es tablish this causal link and suggest methods for reducing morbidity.