Residential exposure to Aspergillus spp. is associated with exacerbations in COPD.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sensitisation to Aspergillus fumigatus is linked to worse outcomes in patients with COPD; however, its prevalence and clinical implications in domestic (residential) settings remains unknown.

Methods

Individuals with COPD (n=43) recruited in Singapore had their residences prospectively sampled and assessed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing including indoor air, outdoor air and touch surfaces (a total of 126 specimens). The abundance of environmental A. fumigatus and the occurrence of A. fumigatus (Asp f) allergens in the environment were determined and immunological responses to A. fumigatus allergens determined in association with clinical outcomes including exacerbation frequency. Findings were validated in 12 individuals (31 specimen

SUBMITTER: Tiew PY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11602665 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature