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Aerobiology for the Clinician
Published in Pudupakkam K Vedanthan, Harold S Nelson, Shripad N Agashe, PA Mahesh, Rohit Katial, Textbook of Allergy for the Clinician, 2021
The term Aerobiology was coined in the 1930s by F.C. Meier who was a plant pathologist in the Department of Agriculture, USA. Aerobiology is the study of airborne particles of plant and animal origin. These bio-particles get into the atmosphere after their release from the source. Prominent among the airborne particles are pollen grains and fungal spores. Pollen grains induce pollination and fertilization which lead to fruit setting and multiplication of plants. Fungal spores aid in the reproduction of fungi. Some of the airborne pollen and spores when inhaled by human beings produce allergic reactions.
Aeroallergen sampling
Published in Richard F. Lockey, Dennis K. Ledford, Allergens and Allergen Immunotherapy, 2020
Estelle Levetin, Josh D. McLoud
Researchers have used various devices to study the bioaerosol composition of the atmosphere for over 150 years. The early history of air sampling and the development of the field of aerobiology have been considered in several publications [1,2]. This chapter focuses on methods of interest to the allergy community, including traditional methods as well as modern approaches for both sampling and analysis.
Spread and Control of Microbes
Published in Jim Lynch, What Is Life and How Might It Be Sustained?, 2023
It was mentioned above that a bacterium applied to seed could be detected 2 m from the point of application. Release into the atmosphere could potentially give greater spread, especially if there is a wind. The science of aerobiology facilitates analysis of spread. Much study has been of fungi, but bacteria are also studied. Many studies have been undertaken on the spread of plant pathogens, sometimes by collecting them on samplers. I have seen this approach used at BRE Group near Slough in the UK, where samplers were used in underground train carriages and aircraft cabins located on site for experimental purposes. The information gained was confidential to the transport companies commissioning the work but almost certainly led to the installation of HEPA filters for aircraft cabins, even though they are not fully effective in taking out microbes, especially viruses. In the laboratory systems, experiments are made easier with genetic markers for tracking. There has been much less study of viruses. The other option is to look at the disease progression geographically in relation to meteorology. For example, SOD mentioned above has a very high incidence in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. When I made a field trip to investigate this, it was clear to me that the foggy conditions on the Pacific coast, while I was there, generated ideal conditions for disease on the infected trees close to the sea to spread inland over distances of several miles, but this would, of course, be by spread from tree to tree. Under these conditions, it should be possible to generate conceptual, empirical, simulation, synoptic, or regression mathematical models to study the epidemiology of the disease. Good models are now available to forecast potato late blight caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. Such information would have been invaluable to reduce the impact of the disease and prevent the Irish Potato Famine which ran from 1845 to 1852. It was clearly an epidemic but because it had appeared in the United States before Ireland, it could be termed a pandemic. Interestingly, when I investigated the 1 million deaths caused by the famine, it seems that many victims died from TB, largely as a secondary factor in the starvation as the human immune system had been compromised. A similar situation occurs with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) where many patients die from TB and pneumonia from being immunocompromised. As a positive consequence of such a tragedy, many of those who escaped the famine by emigrating generated a new world order of Irish influence, especially in the United States where so many eventually contributed so much to so many spheres of life.
Thunderstorm asthma: an overview of mechanisms and management strategies
Published in Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 2020
Francis Thien, Janet M. Davies, Mark Hew, Jo A. Douglass, Robyn E. O’Hehir
From the environmental perspective, further research is required on the role of climate change with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures potentially increasing aeroallergen levels. Climate change may extend pollen seasons worldwide and increase likelihood of extreme weather events such as thunderstorms. The interaction of these factors may potentially increase the risk, severity, and frequency of future ETSA events. Geographical risk factors with the presence of a source of aeroallergen in close proximity to a susceptible urban population, such as Melbourne, requires further research as major cities around the world may be similarly vulnerable to future ETSA events. Better characterization of allergen aerobiology and accurate, relevant, localized monitoring of pollen counts is needed to inform public health measures to reduce aeroallergen exposure. The physical mechanisms resulting in the grass pollen rupture and release of ultrafine allergen-bearing starch particles in RGP triggered ETSA still remains largely unknown. Further research into intact and ruptured grass pollen, comparing meteorological and clinical data, mathematical modeling, genetic studies and immunoassays of air samples will help to elucidate these mechanisms and mitigate their contribution to ETSA.
The rising of allergic respiratory diseases in a changing world: from climate change to migration
Published in Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, 2020
Benedetta Biagioni, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Gennaro D’Amato, Lorenzo Cecchi
Thirdly, the climate factors are probably able to influence the pollen potency, but data about the effects of climate on molecular aerobiology are still embryonic [3]. To date, HIALINE project data showed that allergen content of pollen is highly variable and that, in the case of group 5 grass allergens, there is a positive association between outdoor allergen concentration and humidity [18].
Management of adult asthma and chronic rhinitis as one airway disease
Published in Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, 2021
Angelica Tiotiu, Plamena Novakova, Guidos Guillermo, Jaime Correira de Sousa, Fulvio Braido
Sensitization to HDM is a risk factor for AR and asthma development, or symptoms exacerbation. Reduction of exposure to HDM allergen improves these symptoms [41]. HDM allergen avoidance includes killing the dust mites, removing the allergen over indoor surfaces, preventing mites and allergen containing particles from becoming airborne and denaturing the allergens [42]. The best control measure for pet allergy is to avoid contact with the pet, their dander, and fur. If not possible, mitigation measures can be taken like keeping the pet out of the house, cleaning the house frequently, and bathing pets. Bathing pet removes substantial quantities of allergen and reduces airborne allergens for at least 3–4 days [42,43]. Pollen allergy is one of the main causes of sensitization or symptoms exacerbation. The allergenic pollens vary according to the vegetation and the climate, so knowledge of the region pollen flora and aerobiology is essential. Several measures could reduce the allergenic exposure: keep windows closed at times of highest pollen concentration, perform outdoor activities with masks, or using high-efficiency filters on indoor air cleaners [44]. The exposure to fungal allergens could be decrease in the outdoor environment by pollens avoidance measures, and in the indoor environment, by the control of humidity (<50%) by using air conditioners/dehumidifiers, avoid water accumulations and hanging wet clothes inside the home, reduce the number of plants in the house, and heat the rooms during winter [43–45]. Several methods are effective to reduce the exposure to the allergens from cockroaches such as professional pest control, eradicating reservoirs or breeding sites at home, frequent vacuuming of carpets and corners, reducing or eliminating sources of food for cockroaches [45,46]. Unfortunately, most of the preventive measures for the control of allergens alone are not effective in obtaining relevant clinical improvement in asthma and AR due to the heterogeneity of the conditions and humans activities [46].