Indoor Moulds and Asthma

SEVENTY-TWO ASTHMATIC patients aged 15 to 60 years were identified in a general practice. Together with 72 controls, matched for age and sex, they were investigated for evidence of allergy to moulds. Positive skin tests (weal at least 3mm greater in diameter than for saline control) to any of five moulds occurred in nine asthmatics and one control. Using RAST assay, IgE antibodies to any of four moulds were found in 38 asthmatics and 7 controls. Visible moulds were reported in the homes of 19 asthmatics (26%) and controls (12.5%). Penicillium was the mould most commonly found in the home and to which antibodies most often occurred, especially in the houses with mould. Exposure to indoor mould, especially Penicil lium, may be a contributory factor to the disease in some asthmatic patients.