Scientists Test Drug to Combat Asthma-Causing Fungi

[Guest guest]

Wed 15 Jun 2005

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4693951

printer friendly

2:41pm (UK)

Scientists Test Drug to Combat Asthma-Causing Fungi

By Joanne Clements, PA

Scientists have reached a " key milestone " in their study of the

treatment of severe asthma, it emerged today.

The Manchester University researchers have discovered that the

condition can be triggered by an allergic reaction to types of

fungi – such as household mould, damp and dead leaves.

They are now testing a drug which could prevent sufferers having the

sort of attacks that require hospital treatment.

Previously, severe asthma attacks have been blamed on air pollutants

like dust mites, pollen or animal hair.

But the scientists, based at Manchester's Wythenshawe Hospital,

believe they have found a new culprit.

Their research shows the condition can also be caused by tiny spores

of common airborne fungi, which outnumber pollen grains by almost

1,000 to one and are invisible to the naked eye.

Although most people do not have a reaction, when severe asthmatics

inhale the spores their airways are thought to narrow, making it

harder for them to breathe.

Severe asthma in adults affects between 10% and 20% of the UK's five

million asthmatics, and skin tests indicated that up to 70% of these

sufferers were allergic to at least one type of airborne fungi.

The scientists are now starting a trial to test a drug, which could

kill the fungus inhaled into the body and prevent attacks, on 100

asthmatics.

The antibiotic would not provide a cure for all asthmatics because

it is only severe strains of the condition that are triggered by

fungi, but it could still save countless lives.

If the study is successful, the research team hopes it will reduce

people's reliance on steroid inhalers and lessen the number of

attacks serious enough to need hospital treatment.

Volunteers for the clinical trial will be screened and, if their

test results show an allergy to one or more fungi, they will be

allocated itraconazole capsules or matching dummy capsules for eight

months. So far, 26 patients have been enrolled.

Lead trial investigator Dr Niven, from the North West Lung

Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, said: " We have few options for

patients with severe asthma other than prescribing more steroids,

and those we do have can have side effects worse than steroids

themselves.

" Antifungal treatment for those sensitised to fungi may be a useful

additional strategy to improve the breathing and overall health of

these patients.

" Certainly our limited treatment experience with itraconazole

suggests fewer admissions to hospital for asthma and reduced numbers

of steroid courses. "

Four centres are enrolling patients – the North West Lung Centre in

Wythenshawe Hospital, Hope Hospital, North Manchester General

Hospital and Preston Hospital.

s