Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypersensitivity to fungi among art conservators and museum workers.
Material and methods: 200 art conservators and museum workers were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common mite and fungal allergens. Moreover, the level of serum specific IgE to fungi were evaluated, and rest spirometry was performed in all subjects.
Results: The most frequent symptoms reported by the examined subjects were: rhinitis (N=132, 66%), conjunctivitis (N=137, 68.5%), skin symptoms (N=108, 54%), chronic cough (N=52, 26%) and dyspnoea (N=56, 28%). 69 subjects (34.5%) developed symptoms during work with objects contaminated by biological agents. 90 art conservators and museum workers (46.2%) were sensitized to at least one of common allergens, and 47 (23.5%) to fungal allergens. Specific IgE to fungi were found in 14 (7%) cases, most frequently to Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata.
Conclusions: 85% of art conservators and museum workers reported allergic symptoms. Cladosporium, Alternaria and Yeats were the species that played the most important role in the development of fungal hypersensitivity among art conservators and museum workers. Duration of occupational exposure of more than 5 years, presence of domestic animals especially a cat at home, elevated total IgE level, allergic rhinitis and skin hyperreactivity to common allergens (grass pollens and mites) are significant risk factors for the development of hypersensitivity to fungi among art conservators and museum workers.