Impact of domestic mould exposure on Aspergillus biomarkers and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequently colonised or sensitised by Aspergillus, but clinical significance remains unclear. Furthermore, little is known on the impact of indoor mould exposure during COPD. In this study, we assessed the relationship between domestic mould exposure, Aspergillus biomarkers and COPD severity during acute exacerbation and at stable state. Aspergillus section Fumigati culture in sputum and anti-Aspergillus antibodies detection (IgG and precipitins) were followed up in COPD patients that were prospectively recruited during exacerbation (n = 62), and underwent a visit at stable state after 18 months (n = 33). Clinical characteristics were collected at inclusion. Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) were used to measure domestic mould contamination. Aspergillus section Fumigati was more frequently detected during exacerbation (16.9%) than at stable state (4.0%), but the frequency of patients presenting with anti-Aspergillus antibodies was similar (32.2% and 33.3%, respectively). Aspergillus section Fumigati detection was associated with a higher body-mass index (BMI) during exacerbation, whereas patients with anti-Aspergillus antibodies presented a lower BMI and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, as well as a higher frequency of inhaled corticoids and higher total mould and Penicillium exposure at final visit (P < 0.05). The frequency of patients with anti-Aspergillus antibodies was higher for total mould counts >30 CFU/cm² (P = 0.03). Aspergillosis was diagnosed in 2 patients (6.1%) who presented increased levels of antibodies. Our data suggest that anti-Aspergillus antibodies are associated with chronic lung function alteration and/or domestic mould exposure, thereby supporting the consideration of indoor mould contamination and anti-Aspergillus antibodies kinetics in COPD management.

Keywords: Aspergillus; COPD; Environment; Fungi; anti-Aspergillus antibodies.