V.2.4. Immunology
Immunoglobulin responses and inflammatory mediators are markers of the
fungal-host interaction (103–108). Such biomarkers are valuable
endpoints of individual susceptibility because fungal exposure is not a
direct predictor of health effects at the individual level (77). In the
ECRHS cohort of general adult population, indoor mold exposure was
associated with a higher risk for adult-onset asthma, oculo-respiratory
and general symptoms, and increased asthma severity scores, predicted by
higher levels of IgE and
eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)
(74,75,77,109). Pre-existing sensitization to airborne molds was
associated with a higher risk of mold-related disease (74).