Indoor mold toxins can trigger and exacerbate atopic dermatitis not only in humans but also in companion animals. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — A groundbreaking study by South Korean researchers has revealed that indoor mold toxins can trigger and exacerbate atopic dermatitis not only in humans but also in companion animals, the National Research Foundation of Korea announced on December 26.
The research team, led by professor Kim Ha-jung from Chonnam National University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, built upon their 2022 findings that had established a connection between high indoor particulate matter levels and worsening symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring form of skin inflammation characterized by severe itching.
In their latest study, researchers monitored 44 dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and 29 healthy control subjects. Air quality monitors were installed in areas where the pets frequently spent time, measuring concentrations of ultra-fine dust, fine dust, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds over 48 hours. Additionally, the team analyzed mycotoxin levels in dust samples collected by vacuum cleaners.
The findings demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of PM10 (particulate matter) and mycotoxins in the living spaces of dogs with atopic dermatitis compared to the control group. The severity of skin lesions, itching, and skin barrier damage showed a positive correlation with both particulate matter and mycotoxin concentrations.
“While numerous studies have documented the relationship between indoor pollutants and allergic diseases in humans, this is the first to establish such a connection in companion animals,” said Kim. She suggested that these findings could inform both prevention strategies for pet dermatitis and improvements in residential environments.
The study was published in the online edition of the international journal “Allergy” on December 7. The research gains particular significance as the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in pets has been rising, possibly due to their sharing increasingly polluted indoor environments with their human companions.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
