Bioaerosols based adverse health effects – Investigation of cellular pathomechanisms and optimization of IgE- and IgG-mediated allergy diagnosis

Project No. IPA 145

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

Investigation of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to bioaerosols, especially in workplaces. This includes the investigation of cellular mechanisms of action of bioaerosol components (in particular moulds, endotoxins) as well as the evaluation of known and new mould allergens for the improvement of mould allergy diagnostics. In addition IgG diagnostics for exogenous allergic alveolitides, in particular caused by microbially contaminated cooling lubricants, will be established.

Activities/Methods:

  • Improvement of mould allergy diagnostics by identification and recombinant synthesis of marker allergens
  • Evaluation of serological IgG values in connection with clinically relevant symptoms of exogenous allergic alveolitis caused by microbial contaminated cooling lubricants
  • Investigation of the effect of bioaerosols in the human cell system with special consideration of moulds and endotoxins.

Last Update:

28 Feb 2023

Project

Financed by:
  • Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung - Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)
Research institution(s):
  • Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA)
  • Berufsgenossenschaft Holz und Metall (BGHM)
  • Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie (BG RCI)
  • Berufsgenossenschaft Energie Textil Elektro Medienerzeugnisse (BGETEM)
Branche(s):

-cross sectoral-

Type of hazard:

work-related diseases, biological agents

Catchwords:

allergenic substances, biological agents, prevention

Description, key words:

inflammation, endotoxin, prevention, biological hazards

Contact

Further information

  • Kespohl, S.; Liebers, V.; Maryska, S.; Meurer, U.; Litzenberger, C.; Merget, R.; Raulf, M.: What should be tested in patients with suspected mold exposure? Usefulness of serological markers for the diagnosis. Allergologie Select 2022; 6: 118-132 DOI 10.5414/ALX02298E
  • Kespohl, S.; Grüner, J.; Enderle, R.; Riebesehl, J.; Raulf, M.: Exogen allergische Alveolitis (EAA) durch den Erreger der Rußrindenkrankheit (Cryptostroma corticale) - Eine diagnostische Herausforderung. IPA Journal 2022; 01: 25-29
  • Liebers, V.; Kespohl, S.; Borowitzki, G.; Stubel, H.; Raulf, M.: Is in vitro cytokine release a suitable marker to improve the diagnosis of suspected mold-related respiratory symptoms? A proof-of-concept study. Allergologie Select 2022; 6: 133-141 DOI 10.5414/ALX02299E
  • Sander, I.; Lotz, A.; Liebers, V.; Zahradnik, E.; Sauke-Gensow, U.; Petersen, J.; Raulf, M.: Comparing the concentration levels of allergens and endotoxins in employees' homes and offices. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95: 573-588 DOI 10.1007/s00420-021-01794-9
  • Kespohl, S.; Raulf, M.: Neue Testtools für die Diagnostik einer exogen allergischen Alveolitis. IPA Journal 2021; 01: 26-29
  • Kespohl, S.; Warfolomeow, I.; Schneider, G.; Maryska, S.; Meurer, U.; Raulf, M.: Microbial contamination in water-based metalworking fluid as trigger for occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis - development of specific IgG tools for a suspected clinical case. Allergo Select 2020; 4: 110-117 DOI: 10.5414/ALX02124E
  • Kespohl, S.; Warfolomeow, I.; Schneider, G.; Maryska, S.; Meurer, U.; Raulf, M.: Mikrobielle Kontamination in wassergemischten Kühlschmierstoffen als Auslöser einer beruflich erworbenen exogen allergischen Alveolitis. Allergologie 2020; 43: 26-34
  • Liebers, V.; Kendzia, B.; Monsé, C.; Jettkant, B.; Stubel, H.; Borowitzki, G.; Hagemeyer, O.; Brüning, T.; Merget, R.; Raulf, M.: Whole blood assay as a tool to describe the effects of Zinc Oxide exposure on innate immunity. Adv Exp Bio Med 2020; 1271: 69-81 DOI 10.1007/5584_2019_471
  • Liebers, V.; Brüning, T.; Raulf, M.: Occupational endotoxin exposure and health effects. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94: 3629-3644 DOI 10.1007/s00204-020-02905-0