m13 Phoma betae

Allergens within Molds and other Microorganisms

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  • Latin name: Phoma betae
  • Source material: Spores and mycelium
Phoma is frequently found indoors as a contaminator of humid surfaces.

Allergen Exposure

Phoma is frequently found indoors as a contaminator of humid surfaces, in connection with biodeterioration of painted walls, producing colored spots, often pink of purple, several centimeters in diameter.

Clinical Experience

Buisseret found that in patients with seasonal or summer asthma, 10% proved to be allergic to fungal spores, especially Alternaria and Phoma (1). In a study of IgE antibodies in samples from American patients, hypersensitivity to Phoma was the second most common (2).
 
Review
Phoma is a very common soil fungus attacking weak or damaged plants. It is frequently isolated from different soils, dead plant tissues and potato. Phoma is frequently found indoors as a contaminator of humid surfaces, in connection with biodeterioration of painted walls, producing colored spots, often pink of purple, several centimeters in diameter.
 
Buisseret found that in patients with seasonal or summer asthma, 10% proved to be allergic to fungal spores, especially Alternaria and Phoma (1). In a study of IgE antibodies in samples from American patients, hypersensitivity to Phoma was the second most common (2).

References:

    1. Buisseret PD. Seasonal allergic symptoms due to fungal spores. BMJ 1976;ii:507-8.
    2. Karlsson-Borgå Å, Jonsson P,  Rolfsen W. Specific IgE antibodies to 16 widespread mold genera in patients with suspected mold allergy. Ann Allergy 1989;63(12):521-6. 

1992