Serodominance Profile in a Dust Mite Complex Region

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the molecular sensitization profile of mite allergy in an area with a high environmental exposure of house dust mites (HDM) and storage mites.

METHODS

Skin prick tests were performed with standardized extracts (DIATER, Madrid, Spain). A specific commercial molecular panel (MADx) for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt), Dermatophagoides farinae (Dfar), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Ldt), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tput), and Blomia tropicalis (Blot) was correlated with clinical parameters in Galician (northwestern of Spain) HDM allergic patients.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (60% female) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All of the patient's present rhinitis (50), 28% (14) rhinitis and asthma, and 18% (9) atopic dermatitis (AD). Hundred patients had a positive prick test for Dpt, followed by Dfar (92%), Ldt and Tput (74%), and Blot (68%). More than 50% recognized specific IgE for Der p 1, Der p 2, reaching 86% in the case of Der p 23. No statistically significant differences in IgE levels were found between patients with/without asthma and those with mild or moderate-severe rhinitis. Der p 7 was higher among rhinitis patients (p value 0.05). AD relative risk (RR) was increased in patients sensitized to Der f 2, Der p 2, and Der p 23. Der p 10 decreases the risk to have AD (RR 0.80).

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of IgE results in a comprehensive panel of allergens allows differentiation of serological reactivity profiles with their clinical expression, to perform an optimal management. Improvements in component resolved diagnosis and more research on the clinical relevance of mite allergens are needed to achieve a genuine diagnosis leading to specific immunotherapy.

Occupational respiratory allergy to roe deer

BACKGROUND

Although scattered reports have been published on roe deer allergenicity, no systematic studies of allergenicity or possible cross-reactions have appeared.

OBJECTIVES

To describe 2 patients with occupational roe deer allergy, demonstrated by positive skin and conjunctival provocation test results, and to note cross-reactions to other animal (mainly cow) allergens.

METHODS

Two workers at animal rehabilitation centers were sensitized to roe deer. One patient had a history of rhinoconjunctivitis and the other a history of rhinoconjunctivitis and probable asthma. Both patients underwent skin testing with a standard battery of inhaled and epithelial allergens and with roe deer hair and dander extract and conjunctival provocation tests with roe deer hair extract. Immunodetection for IgE (both patients) and IgE immunoblot inhibition tests to determine inhibitory effect (1 patient) were also performed.

RESULTS

The results of skin tests and conjunctival provocation tests showed that both patients were sensitized to roe deer allergens. In one patient specific IgE to roe deer extract was detected, and this extract completely inhibited IgE binding to cow hair and dander extract in immunoblotting tests. Specific IgE to roe deer proteins could not be demonstrated in the other patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that roe deer epidermal derivatives can cause occupational respiratory disease in exposed workers and that allergy to this species should be considered in individuals who present with similar symptoms and exposure histories. Immunoblot inhibition studies suggested the possibility of cross-reaction between roe deer proteins and cow proteins.