Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in Patients with Respiratory Allergy in India

Authors: A. B. Singh, S. K. Gupta, B. M. J. Pereira, and D. Prakash

Journal: Clinical and Experimental Allergy

Study Design:

• Study Population: 172 patients with respiratory disorders and 14 asymptomatic controls
• Tests: Skin prick tests and intradermal tests using Ganoderma lucidum spore (GSE) and whole-body extracts (GWBE)
• Outcome Measures: Skin reactivity and allergen-specific IgE levels

Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum, a type of mushroom, in patients with respiratory allergies in India. The study found that 28.48% of patients showed skin reactivity to GSE and 17.44% to GWBE. A significant correlation was found between skin prick and intradermal tests. Over 80% of skin test-positive patients had elevated IgE antibodies to G. lucidum. This is the first report of sensitization to G. lucidum in the atopic population of India.