Biomarker: M024-IgE Stachybotrys atra

Overview

M024-IgE Stachybotrys atra measures allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies directed against Stachybotrys atra, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. IgE is involved in immediate hypersensitivity reactions and may contribute to allergic rhinitis, asthma, or other respiratory symptoms in sensitized individuals. A high result indicates sensitization to the tested mold extract, but it does not establish that the person has clinical allergy, determine exposure level or timing, or predict reaction severity. Testing for Stachybotrys species is of limited clinical value because the mold is poorly aerosolized, and authoritative allergy guidance discourages routine testing for it.

Clinical Use Cases

Supporting an evaluation for suspected mold-related IgE-mediated allergy when symptoms and exposure history are compatible.
Assessing possible mold sensitization in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or other immediate hypersensitivity symptoms.
Providing an alternative to skin testing when skin testing is unsuitable, unavailable, or affected by medications.
Research assessment of immune sensitization to Stachybotrys antigens in human populations.
Interpreting suspected mold allergy as part of a broader clinical evaluation, rather than using the result to diagnose illness or quantify environmental exposure.

Specimen Types

Serum or plasma obtained from venous blood.
Whole blood is collected initially, but the analytical specimen is typically separated serum or plasma.

Measurement Methods

In-vitro allergen-specific IgE immunoassay.
Solid-phase immunoassays, including enzyme-linked or fluorescence-based platforms.
Radioallergosorbent testing, or RAST, an older term for serum-specific IgE testing.
Skin-prick or intradermal testing may measure sensitization to fungal extracts, but standardized and routinely available Stachybotrys skin-test reagents are limited.

Test Preparation and Influencing Factors

Fasting is generally not required for an allergy blood test.
Patients should report all medications, particularly antihistamines and other drugs that may affect related allergy testing. Medications should not be stopped unless directed by a health care professional.
The result should be interpreted with the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, asthma or allergy history, and exposure history.
A positive result indicates sensitization and does not by itself confirm symptomatic allergy or establish that Stachybotrys caused symptoms.
The measured IgE concentration does not predict the severity of a future allergic reaction.
Cross-reactivity among fungal allergens and variability in mold extracts can affect comparability and interpretation of results.
The test cannot determine the dose, location, or timing of prior mold exposure.
Smoking and parasitic infection can increase total IgE and may complicate interpretation of allergy testing, although they do not specifically establish Stachybotrys sensitization.