D3.229 - Comparison of mold sensitization profiles in children (2021 and 2025): impact of environmental deterioration during martial law

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in complications among children. The prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA) among children with allergies is about 40% (World Allergy Organization (WAO) and is often a cause of disability. In Ukraine, due to the improvement of the quality of life, the duration of stay in humid rooms, a number of BA in children are noted. year (before the military conflict) and in 2025 to optimize treatment and identify the risks of severe asthma phenotypes.

A comparison of sensitization profiles in children with asthma, sensitized to mold, depending on the long-term exposure to adverse environmental factors, was conducted. All subjects were divided into 2 groups: group A - children with asthma and sensitization to mold, examined in 2021 (before martial law) - 38 children; group B - children examined in 2025 - 48 children. The age of the subjects was from 7 to 14 years. The sensitization profile was studied using the ALEX2 molecular multiplex test (Macro Array Diagnostics GmbH, Austria).

Alternaria Alternata remains the main trigger of mold sensitization in both groups with a slight advantage in group A - (89.3% in 2021 vs. 87.5% in 2025). The number of children with monosensitization to Alt a 1 decreased slightly from 67.9% in group A to 52% in group B. In group B, there was a significant increase in children with combined sensitization to Alt a 1 and Asp f 4 - almost threefold from 10.7% in group A to 20.8% in group B. Monosensitization to Asp f 4 increased in group B from 3.6% to 10.4%. Sensitization to Alt a 1+Asp f 1 increased from 3.6% in group A to 8.3% in group B. The level of sensitization to Alt a 1+Alt a 6 in groups A and B differed little (7.1% and 6.3%, respectively).

Sensitization to mold allergens is a common phenomenon in children with asthma.

In the structure of sensitization to mold, sensitization to Alt a 1 prevails. With prolonged exposure to adverse environmental factors, sensitization to Alt a 1+ Asp f 4 and monosensitization to Asp f 4 prevail. This sensitization profile is characterized by a more severe course of asthma in children and requires an individual treatment plan.