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 environment, which may lead to the occurrence of allergies or respiratory complaints, by means of enumeration of viable parts is inadequate. Therefore, other methods must be developed. When grown under various circumstances (22 degrees C and 30 degrees C, high and low water activity) under laboratory conditions, Alternaria alternata produces one antigen that can be found under all studied growth conditions in extracts of the water-soluble portion of the 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 may have the function of marker for the exposure to allergens of A. alternata.