ABSTRACT
Fungi are eukaryotic, nonchlorophyllous, mostly spore-bearing organisms that exist as saprophytes or as parasites of animals and plants (1). Fungi constitute unicellular to multicellular organisms, and their presence in the environment depends on the climate, vegetation, and other ecological factors. The presence and prevalence of fungi indoors depends on the moisture content, ventilation, and the presence and absence of carpets, pets, and houseplants (2). Spores of Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium, and Fusarium are universally present in the indoor and outdoor environments (Fig. 1). The development of allergies to fungi follows the same biological phenomena as allergies to other environmental agents.
