Allergy to Penicillium mould

What is Penicillium mould allergy?

Penicillium is a genus of moulds that grow on damp surfaces indoors, on bread, fruit and other foods, and in dust. The blue-green mould on old bread and citrus fruit is often Penicillium. The test is for Penicillium chrysogenum, which used to be called Penicillium notatum.

Symptoms

• A runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing and itchy eyes
• Coughing, wheezing and asthma

Symptoms are often worst indoors, in basements and in damp-damaged houses.

Not the same as penicillin allergy

Penicillin was originally made from Penicillium, but penicillin allergy is a drug allergy and has no connection with allergy to the mould. IgE to Penicillium therefore does not mean that you are allergic to penicillin, and vice versa.

Cross-reactivity

Penicillium and Aspergillus share some proteins. People who react to one of them can therefore sometimes react to the other.

How to get tested

Penicillium chrysogenum (allergen code m1) is included in our Mould allergy Plus test, together with Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Alternaria. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to Penicillium.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat mould-ripened cheese if I am allergic to Penicillium?

Mould-ripened cheeses are made with other Penicillium species than the one tested, and most people with mould allergy eat cheese without problems. If you get symptoms from mould-ripened cheese, talk to your doctor.

How do I know whether the mould at home is causing my symptoms?

A blood test shows whether you have IgE to the mould, and a damp specialist can inspect your home. Damp and mould in the home should be dealt with even if you are not allergic.