Mold allergy: a three year investigation (1980-1982) of the airborne fungal spores in Naples, Italy.

The purpose of the study was to examine the seasonal changes of the most important anemophilous species of molds, mainly those of allergenic interest. A spore-mold calendar for Naples, Italy was developed by continuous sampling over a 3-year period (January 1980-December 1982). The results reveal the climatic conditions are favorable for the growth of some fungi with dry spores in Naples and very high atmospheric concentrations of mold spores are to be found in summer months, particularly those of Cladosporium. Allergic sensitization with skin test reactivity and clinical signs of sensitivity to inhaled fungal spores is nevertheless found infrequently and generally not correlated with the seasonal patterns of presence of the spore molds in the atmosphere.