Characterization of exposure to low levels of viable Penicillium chrysogenum conidia and allergic sensitization induced by a protease allergen extract from viable P. Chrysogenum conidia in mice.

Background: Previous evidence by our laboratory has shown that mice inoculated with viable Penicillium Chrysogenum conidia or spores at levels comparable to those found in contaminated buildings induced spore antigen-specific allergic responses. We proposed that mice exposed to low levels of viable P. Chrysogenum conidia would not develop allergic symptoms.