Dust Allergens Research Articles

Home Dust Allergen Exposure Is Associated with Outcomes among Sensitized Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: Environmental exposures have been associated with adverse outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Approximately one-third of individuals with COPD have allergic sensitization, but it is unknown whether exposure to allergens in the home is associated with outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associations of allergen sensitization with exposure to common indoor allergens with symptoms and exacerbation risk in COPD. Methods: Allergen sensitization to five common indoor allergens was assessed in former smokers with COPD. Home settled dust was assessed for presence of corresponding allergens. Sensitization and exposure status was determined and associations evaluated in adjusted models with longitudinal outcomes including symptoms, lung function, and exacerbations. Interactions were assessed between sensitization/exposure status and lung function. Measurements and Main Results: One hundred eighty-three individuals studied were on average 67.3 years of age (SD, 8.22) with average FEV1 of 53.2% (SD, 17.6%). Seventy-seven percent of participants were exposed to at least one tested allergen, and 17% had sensitization with corresponding allergen exposure. After adjustment, sensitization with exposure was associated with lower lung function (β, -8.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], -14.80 to -1.77), higher St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire Total Score (β, 6.71; 95% CI, 0.17 to 13.25), and higher exacerbation risk (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.79). Associations appeared to be more pronounced among individuals with lower lung function. Conclusions: Allergen exposures are common in COPD and associated with adverse outcomes among those with concomitant allergen sensitization. This study establishes allergens as an important home exposure that potentially could be addressed with comprehensive home environmental modification strategies to improve COPD outcomes.

L’asthme professionnel et l’asthme aggravé par le travail. Quelles différences en termes de facteurs de risque et d’aptitude au travail ?

IntroductionAllergic asthma is currently the most frequent respiratory pathology in the workplace. Whether induced or aggravated by the work environment, the adequacy between this morbid state and work is often subject to re-evaluation. Aim to studyThe socio-professional, clinical, para-clinical and medico-legal characteristics of allergic asthma observed in the workplace, to assess their impact on the ability to work and to compare occupational asthma (OA) and work exacerbated asthma (WEA) in terms of associated professional and extra-professional factors and in terms of repercussions on aptitude. MethodsExhaustive retrospective descriptive study of all work-related allergic asthma files (OA and WEA), collected from the Department of Occupational Medicine and Occupational Pathologies of the University Hospital La Rabta in Tunis during the period from 1 January 2000 to December 31, 2020. ResultsThis is a series of 232 cases of work-related allergic asthma, including 76.7% OA and 23.3% WEA. The mean age of the patients was 40.28±8.96 years. The female gender was represented in 50.9% of cases. A personal history of atopy was reported by 16.5% of patients. The most represented professional category was that of unskilled workers (57.1%) with an average seniority of 11.43±7.96 years. The sectors that provided the most asthma were the textile sector (10%) and the health sector (10.9%). The clinical symptoms were dominated by paroxysmal wheezing dyspnea (51.5%), punctuated by work. in the majority (86.6%). The responsible agents were high molecular weight allergens (HMW) in particular vegetable textile dust (9.9%), low molecular weight (LMW) such as isocyanate (11.6%), formaldehyde (11.2%) as well as respiratory irritants, mainly mold (7.8%) and non-specific dust (3.9%). Asthma justified a workstation adaptation in 47.8% of cases and a mutation in 40.9% of patients.Comparing the cases of work-induced asthma with those that were exacerbated, we found that age and length of service were higher in the OA group, (P=0.002) and (P=0.005). In addition, this group was also associated with the grade of unskilled worker (P=0.035), exposure to HMW allergens (P=0.008), as well as the prescription for a job transfer (P≤10-3). In addition, WEA was associated with a history of personal and family atopy with respectively (P≤10–3) and (P=0.017), work in the transport sector (P≤10-3) as well as prescription temporary unfitness for the post (P≤10–3). ConclusionThe etiologies of OA and WEA differ. Indeed, the etiologies of WEA are essentially respiratory irritants while in the OA are HMW allergens. In terms of aptitude, the impact on OA is more pejorative than WEA involving more mutation.

Clinical and anamnestic characteristics and results of allergological testing in children with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis in case of allergy to house dust mites

House dust mites (HDM) are a common cause of allergies, however, it is not always easy to suspect a mite allergy from a patient's history. 
 Objective: to determine clinical characteristics of patients, tactics for demonstrating the role of HDM sensitization in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma (BA) with domestic sensitization. 
 Materials and methods. The study included 420 patients, 256 boys, 164 girls, aged 5 to 17,9 years (mean 8,44 ± 3,06 years), with AR (100%) and AR in combination with BA (41,9%). The prick test on the forearm skin with water-soluble extracts was carried out and evaluated according to the standard method. The test was considered positive with a maximum wheal diameter of ≥3 mm 15 minutes after applying the prick. 
 Results. Among patients with HDM sensitization (n=268), sensitization to both mites was detected in 218 cases (81,3%), and in 139 cases (51,9%) polysensitization to HDM allergens, house dust and epidermal allergens (cat, dog) was found. Patients noted persistent symptoms of nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea; the provoking factor was not determined by history in 46% of cases. In 69,8% of cases (97 children), it was impossible to isolate the leading allergen according to the history, since patients had contact with cats, dogs, dust, and polysensitization according to the prick tests. Nasal provocation test (NPT) with HDM allergens was performed in 92 children. Positive NPT was obtained in 83 cases (90,2%), negative in 9 cases (9,8%). 
 Conclusions. With HDM sensitization, often (46%) the provoking factor is not determined by history. Monotonous symptoms are characteristic with the absence of obvious relationships with allergens, the location and activities of the child. In terms of frequency, the leading variant is sensitization to both mites D.pteronyssinus, D.farinae (81,3%), and polysensitization to HDM, house dust and cat and dog allergens (51,9%). NPT allows in 90% of cases to show the causal role of HDM allergens in polysensitized patients with insufficiently convincing anamnesis data.

Abundance of domestic mites in dwellings of children and adolescents with asthma in relation to environmental factors and allergy symptoms

Exposure to house dust allergens, mainly from domestic mites, is an important cause of allergic reactions in sensitized asthmatic patients. A total of 63 dust samples were collected from 16 flats in Bytom (south Poland); in each flat a person (age 4–17 years) suffering from bronchial asthma lived with his/her family. Mite density was calculated as the number of specimens per g of dust. The results were compared with household features and the data were statistically analyzed. In total 566 mite specimens were isolated, including 526 members of the family Pyroglyphidae (93%). The dominant species were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (60% of the total count) and Dermatophagoides farinae (32%). Pyroglyphids were found in all mite positive samples (68%) of which 35% also contained non-pyroglyphids, including glycyphagids, cheyletids and gamasids. The results suggest associations between the density of some mite taxa (per g of dust) and the following indoor environmental factors: presence of pets, number of inhabitants, coal-stoves as a type of heating, cleaning frequency, higher relative humidity, presence of flowers and PVC windows. The severity of asthma seems to be associated with the numbers of D. farinae, total domestic mites and live mites per g of dust.

Detection of Food Allergens in School and Home Environments of Elementary Students

Little is known about environmental food allergen exposure on school surfaces. To compare the distribution of major food allergens in floor dust and table wipe samples from elementary schools and dust samples from students' homes. In this substudy of the School Inner-City Asthma Study-II, 103 table wipe samples and 98 floor dust samples from cafeterias and classrooms in 18 elementary schools were analyzed for milk, peanut, cashew, hazelnut, and egg using a multiplex array. Home kitchen floor and bed dust samples from 90 students were also analyzed. Food allergens were detectable in schools, but at significantly lower levels than in homes (P < .001). In schools, milk and peanut were detected in all table wipe samples; milk and egg were detected in all floor dust samples. Cafeteria table wipe samples contained significantly higher levels of milk, peanut, hazelnut, and egg, compared with classrooms. Cafeteria floor dust samples contained higher levels milk than classrooms. Peanut-restrictive policies did not consistently reduce environmental peanut exposure in schools. Peanut allergen was lower in dust from homes of students with peanut allergy (n= 5) compared with those without peanut allergy (n= 85) (P<.001). Reassuringly, peanut allergen in the schools of peanut-allergic students was not significantly different than in their homes. Food allergens were readily detectable on tables and floors in elementary schools, but at levels lower than in students' homes. For peanut-allergic students, the levels of detectable peanut in their schools were not higher than their homes. The low levels of detectable food allergens in school environments are unlikely to result in severe allergic reactions.

Choosing a Proper Face Mask during COVID-19 Pandemic - Issues and Challenges

A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device, which creates a physical barrier between the wearer's mouth and nose and the contaminants in the surrounding environment. Usually, facemasks are categorized as dental, isolation, medical procedure or surgical . These are primarily used to reduce inhaling airborne particles that may cause various health effects. A conventional facemask consists of one, two or three layers of flat or pleated fabric affixed to the head with ear loops. A surgical mask is typically used as a physical barrier to body fluids and larger droplets . Surgical masks are also helpful in reducing the danger of splashes or sprays of body fluids, secretions, excretions and blood from reaching the wearer's mouth and nose. While facemasks available in the market provide a certain degree of protection against dust particles, bacteria, viruses and allergens, they may not have a reasonable degree of comfort. Notably, the sweat occurring in the mouth and nose area causes...

Exposures in the Indoor Environment and Prevalence of Allergic Conditions in the United States of America.

Our study examines the association of the presence of mildew, cockroaches, and pets in homes as well as household dust allergens with the prevalence and/or severity of allergic diseases. No study has concurrently assessed home environment exposures in relation to allergic conditions in the general US population. Data from 5409 participants from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) living in their current homes for ≥one year were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses between home exposures and allergic diseases prevalence and severity were performed. In adjusted analyses, mildew was associated with higher current asthma, allergies, and allergic rhinitis prevalence; endotoxin, with higher current asthma prevalence; and dust Canis familiaris (Can f) 1, with higher allergic rhinitis prevalence. However, presence of cockroaches and dust Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) 1 were associated, respectively, with lower current asthma and allergies prevalence. Presence of mildew, dust Der f1, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, Felis domesticus (Fel d) 1, and endotoxin were all associated with asthma and/or wheeze severity. Non-atopic asthma was more frequent with mildew and/or musty smell dust and higher dust Fel d1 concentration, while atopic asthma was more prevalent with higher Can f1 and endotoxin concentrations in dust. This study confirms previous relationships and reports novel associations, generating hypotheses for future research.

The Influence of Indoor Environmental Factors on the Prevalence of House Dust Mites as Aeroallergens in Bandar Abbas Student Dormitories, South of Iran, 2019.

This study was conducted to determine the influence of environmental factors on the prevalence of house dust mites in student dormitories of Bandar Abbas city. In this study, 64 dust samples were collected from seven randomly selected dormitories located in various areas of the Bandar Abbas. The collected mites were isolated and mounted in Hoyer's medium and identified using a morphological key. The associations between the environmental factors and the density of house dust mites were investigated. In total, 1,093 adult mites were collected and identified. They consisted of four species including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Trouessart (57.6%), Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes (24.3%) and Dermatophagoides evansi Fain (14.9%) (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), and Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans (3.2%) (Acari: Cheyletidae). All of the dormitories were contaminated by more than one house dust mites species and the mean density of house dust mites in dormitories was 8.3 ± 0.2 mites/g of dust. There was a significant relationship between average house dust mites density and some of environmental factors such as relative humidity, temperature, floor covering type, and number of occupants (P < 0.05). Results of this study revealed that two major allergenic dust mites, D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, were the most prevalent and collected from all of dormitories and some of indoor environmental factors found to influence mites' population.

Atopic dermatitis in West Highland white terriers – Part III: early life peripheral blood regulatory T cells are reduced in atopic dermatitis

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are involved in homeostasis of immune regulation and suppression of inflammation and T-cell polarisation. Current knowledge regarding the role of Treg cells in the initiation of allergic disease is limited for both people and dogs. To explore the role of circulating Treg cells and their possible influencing factors, on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). This study followed part of a birth cohort of West Highland white terrier dogs and classified them according to eventual clinical signs of AD (i.e. allergic versus healthy). The Treg phenotypes were assessed longitudinally by flow cytometry at 3, 3-12 and 12-36months of age, and associated with development of AD. Different early life antigenic factors [endotoxins and allergens in house dust, Toxocara canis-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E/IgG, allergen-specific and total IgE, skin microbiota] were measured at three months of age, and a possible association with Treg cell levels was assessed. The percentages of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in healthy dogs were significantly higher at in 3-month-old (mean 4.5% healthy versus 3.3% allergic; P=0.021) and <1-year-old (4.0% healthy versus 2.9% allergic; P=0.028) dogs when compared to percentages of Treg cells in dogs that developed AD. There was a significantly positive correlation between the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae on the skin and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in puppies that became allergic (r=0.568, P=0.017). Further large-scale studies are needed to identify the practical value of these findings in AD diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Пищевая и ингаляционная сенсибилизация при атопическом дерматите

Aim: to study the association of food and inhalation sensitization with the severity of atopic dermatitis (AtD) in order to improve its treatment and prevention methods. Patients and Methods: the study included 50 patients with AtD from 2 to 44 years old. The study included clinical and laboratory research methods. The survey analyzed the history and anamnesis vitae, estimated the age at the AtD onset, determined the nature of concomitant pathology, the possible causes of cutaneous exacerbation, the allergic severity in the family history, the severity score on the SCORAD (Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis) scale and the efficacy of previous therapy. The immunological examination consisted of the quantitative determination of specific IgE and IgG antibodies in the blood serum to inhaled and food allergens by immunochemiluminescence assay on an IMMULITE 2000 XPi analyzer. Results: according to the detection frequency of IgE to food allergens in patients with AtD: the leading positions were taken by the chicken egg (egg white in 26% of cases, egg yolk in 20%); IgE to banana was detected in 17% of cases; in 12% — to cow’s milk, more common — to the β-lactoglobulin fraction. When studying the activity of inhaled allergens, respiratory sensitization to the cat epithelium was detected in 26% of cases, and to black birch — in 24%. Hypersensitivity to herbs (wormwood, herbal mixture) and house dust allergens (8%, respectively) was found much less common. In severe AtD, IgE to respiratory allergens prevailed: at n=38, the IgE concentration to cat epithelium and black birch was 12.4±1.4 IU/mL each. Besides, there was a significant sensitization to food allergens, namely, the IgE concentration to egg white — 5.4±0.9 IU/mL. Conclusion: the study revealed the sensitization of patients with AtD to food (mainly egg white, egg yolk, banana and cow’s milk) and respiratory (mainly cat epithelium, black birch) allergens. Determination of the IgE concentration in the blood serum of patients showed that there was a significant concentration increase to egg white, cat and black birch in severe AtD. Therefore, it is advisable to test for specific allergens in all patients with moderate to severe AtD. KEYWORDS: food sensitization, inhalation sensitization, atopic dermatitis, allergy, allergens, antibodies, immunochemiluminescence assay, IgE, triggers. FOR CITATION: Vasilyeva E.A., Rusak Yu.E., Efanova E.N., Lebedeva L.N. Food and inhalation sensitization in atopic dermatitis. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(1):17–20. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-1-17-20.

Identification and biochemical characterization of Asp t 36, a new fungal allergen from Aspergillus terreus

Aspergillus terreus is an allergenic fungus, in addition to causing infections in both humans and plants. However, the allergens in this fungus are still unknown, limiting the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We used a proteomic approach to search for allergens, identifying 16 allergens based on two-dimensional immunoblotting with A. terreus susceptible patient sera. We further characterized triose-phosphate isomerase (Asp t 36), one of the dominant IgE (IgE)-reactive proteins. The gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Phylogenetic analysis showed Asp t 36 to be highly conserved with close similarity to the triose-phosphate isomerase protein sequence from Dermatophagoides farinae, an allergenic dust mite. We identified four immunodominant epitopes using synthetic peptides, and mapped them on a homology-based model of the tertiary structure of Asp t 36. Among these, two were found to create a continuous surface patch on the 3D structure, rendering it an IgE-binding hotspot. Biophysical analysis indicated that Asp t 36 shows similar secondary structure content and temperature sensitivity with other reported triose-phosphate isomerase allergens. In vivo studies using a murine model displayed that the recombinant Asp t 36 was able to stimulate airway inflammation, as demonstrated by an influx of eosinophils, goblet cell hyperplasia, elevated serum Igs, and induction of Th2 cytokines. Collectively, our results reveal the immunogenic property of Asp t 36, a major allergen from A. terreus, and define a new fungal allergen more broadly. This allergen could serve as a potent candidate for investigating component resolved diagnosis and immunotherapy.

Topical Applications of Antioxidants for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease which majorly affects the children. It can be caused by dust, mites,pets and food allergens. Atopic dermatitis is induced by the allergens and ends up in the elevated level ofImmunoglobulin G. People from the developing countries such as New Zealand and U.S are more proneto atopic dermatitis skin disease because of the low level of melanin production in their skin. This canbe reduced by the use of natural compounds such as glutathione derived from plants. In this article, thefunctioning and active molecules of glutathione for atopic dermatitis are discussed.

Observational human studies in allergic diseases: design concepts and highlights of recent National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-funded research.

To present and discuss key design concepts for optimizing the impact of observational studies in the field of allergy and to highlight recent findings from NIAID-funded research networks. We discuss three concepts. First, the benefit of prospective, longitudinal observational studies exemplified by recent findings on the seasonal nature of all rhinitis phenotypes in children with asthma and the protective effects of high house dust allergen content during the first year of life on the development of asthma at age 7 years. Second, the benefit of detailed (deep) phenotyping exemplified by the identification of a MALT1 gene variant as a strong genetic link to peanut allergy and the determination that atopic dermatitis with food allergy constitutes a distinct cutaneous endotype, compared with atopic dermatitis alone. Third, the benefit of hypothesis-generating research combined with prospective design and deep phenotyping as exemplified by the unveiling of potential pathophysiologic pathways leading to asthma exacerbations in children, after a 'cold'. Observational studies can be highly impactful if designed well. Longitudinal study design, deep phenotyping, and hypothesis-generating research are three major design concepts that should be considered in the development of these studies.

Endotoxin clustering with allergens in house dust and asthma outcomes in a U.S. national study

BackgroundEndotoxin is ubiquitous in the environment, but its clustering with indoor allergens is not well characterized. This study examined the clustering patterns of endotoxin with allergens in house dust and their association with asthma outcomes.MethodsWe analyzed data from 6963 participants of the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. House dust sampled from bedroom floor and bedding was evaluated for endotoxin and allergens from fungi, cockroach, dog, cat, mites, and rodents. Two-step cluster analysis and logistic regressions were performed to identify the clustering patterns and their associations with current asthma and wheeze in the past 12 months, adjusting for covariates.ResultsOf the homes, 17.8% had low endotoxin and allergen levels in house dust (Cluster 1). High endotoxin level clustered with Alternaria and pet allergens in the homes of participants with a high socioeconomic status who own pets (Cluster 2) (48.9%). High endotoxin clustered with Aspergillus, dust mites, cockroach, and rodent allergens in the homes of participants with low socioeconomic status (Cluster 3) (33.3%). Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 2 was associated with higher asthma prevalence (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06–1.91) and wheeze (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07–1.63). Cluster 3 was positively associated with wheeze only in participants sensitized to inhalant allergens (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06–1.91) or exposed to tobacco smoke (OR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15–2.60).ConclusionsThe clustering of endotoxin with allergens in dust from homes with pets or of people with low socioeconomic status is associated with asthma and wheeze.

Detection of Food Allergens in Floor Dust and Table Wipe Samples in the Urban Elementary School Environment

Detection of Food Allergens in Floor Dust and Table Wipe Samples in the Urban Elementary School Environment

Prevalence and causative agents of allergic conjunctivitis and its determinants in adult citizens of Western Saudi Arabia: A survey.

PURPOSE:To estimate the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and its related allergic ailments among Saudi adults in the western region.METHODS:Adult population of Taif, Makkah, and Jeddah cities was surveyed from 2017 to June 2018. Subjective questionnaire was used to collect the response. Participants were asked about symptoms (redness, itching, watering, based diagnosis and details of AC, treatment taken in the pasts, and associated conditions, such as allergic asthma and rhinitis). The age-sex-adjusted prevalence, its determinants, and associations to other ailments were assessed.RESULTS:We surveyed 2187 participants (mean age 26.0 ± 9.1 years). The age-sex-adjusted prevalence of AC was 70.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.6–72.4). There could be 2.1 million AC patients among 3.1 million adult populations in Western KSA. It was significantly higher in females compared to males (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7 [95% CI 1.4–2.2]). The risk of AC did not vary by age group (χ2 = 2.5, df = 3, P = 0.1). The variation of AC in three provinces was not significant (χ2 = 0.3, df = 3, P = 0.6). Dust (42.6%) and unknown (24.8%) allergens were the main causative agents of AC. AC was significantly associated to asthma (OR = 2.8) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.2).CONCLUSION:AC affects seven in ten adults in Western Saudi Arabia. AC is positively associated to allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Public health policies at primary eye-care level should focus on early detection and care of persons with AC.

Allergy assessment: when and how?

Allergy assessment: when and how? Abstract. Allergies are common in the clinical practice. The most important allergens are pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, mold and allergens attributable to a particular work environment. The medical history is a very important part for diagnosing an allergy, because sensitizations detected by skin prick tests and laboratory tests are common but not always symptomatic and therefore without clinical relevance. There are 3 options to manage allergic diseases: avoidance of allergens, symptomatic treatment and - in selected cases - a causal treatment like allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Proteogenomics of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae: Allergen repertoire, accurate allergen identification, isoforms, and sex-biased proteome differences

The allergen repertoire of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, is incomplete despite most mite allergens having been described in this species. Using proteogenomics, we aimed to compare proteins and allergens between sexes and provide a foundation for the identification of novel allergens. Overall, 6297 protein hits were identified, and 2899 and 886 were male- and female-specific, respectively. Removal of trace results narrowed the dataset to 3478 hits, including 275 and 157 male- and female-specific hits, respectively. All 34 WHO/IUIS-approved D. farinae allergens (omitting Der f 17) were identified, and we also identified homologs of the yet undescribed Der f 9 and 38. Der f 27/serpin exhibited the largest sex-dependent difference and was dominant in females. Using official protein sequences, Der f 11, 14, 23, 28 and 30 were identified with low success. However, identification success of Der f 11 and 14 was greatly increased by using longer/complete sequences. Der f 30 is characterized by the same tryptic digests as the more abundant Der f 30 (isoform) identified here. Der f 23 appears to be of low abundance in mite bodies. Der f 28.0101 and Der f 28.0201 were detected at low abundance and in trace amounts, respectively. SignificanceIn this work, we performed a proteogenomic annotation of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, which is the most important source of house dust allergens. The proteogenomic analysis performed here provides a foundation for not only understanding the biology of the mite but also the identification of novel allergens. This study generated a robust proteomic dataset for D. farinae and reviewed existing and candidate allergens in this species. We stress some pitfalls of high-throughput analyses, especially that improper headers of allergen protein records provided in databases can lead to confusion. Using partial sequences in proteomic identification and quantification can lead to low identification success (low signal intensity or MS/MS counts). Thus, we individually curated the protein sequences for proper identification and quantification. The discovered sex differences can be one factor affecting allergen/immunogen variations in mite extracts. Overall, this work provides a benchmark for accurate identification of mite immunogenic proteins using proteomics.

Airborne Rodent Allergen Levels in Dutch Households: A Pilot Study.

Little research has been conducted in Europe regarding indoor exposure to airborne rodent allergens. The aims of this study were to gain insight into the prevalence of rodent allergens in airborne dust in Dutch households, to assess whether there is a relationship between rodent sightings and detectable allergens, and to identify risk factors associated with the presence of rodent allergens. Airborne dust was collected from the living rooms of 80 households distributed around central Netherlands by passive sampling using electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs). Samples were analysed for mouse (Mus m 1) and rat (Rat n 1) allergens. Participants completed a questionnaire on household and building characteristics, household pets, cleaning habits and ventilation. Mouse allergen was more prevalent than rat allergen and mouse sightings within the past year more than doubled the odds of detectable mouse allergen. Proximity to green areas, ventilation through an open window and insulation under the living room floor were determinants for detectable mouse allergen. Conversely, proximity to surface water was protective. No significant association was found between asthma and detectable mouse allergen. The passive EDC sampling method was used successfully to detect mouse and rat allergens in homes. The presence of mouse allergen was associated with previous mouse sightings. Risk factors and protective factors associated with the presence and levels of mouse allergen were identified.

House dust mite specific in vitro IgE determination in cats with allergic dermatitis

Allergy, nearly a hundred years ago, a paediatrician comprehended the idea of allergy, the initial connection of the immune system via an antigen altering the reactivity of the cases. In recent years several hypothesis and novel findings have been conducted in veterinary medicine, yet allergic dermatitis due to house dust mites ar of interest in feline medicine. The purpose of this retrospective reserach was to verify underlying causes of clinical findings to those of cats with allergic dermatitis. Allergen speicific Ig E concentrations against Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were determined by use of in vitro Polycheck Veterinary allergy tests (RDA grup, İstanbul). In a total of 33 cats were introduced to the Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Internal Medicine clinic with primary/secondary skin lesions or to those of general health status check up. On initial referaal available haematological, microbiological, parasitological and relevant tests were performed. Nineteen cats were deemed healthy based on relevant analysis (neither infection nor hypersensitivity) were enrolled as a control group. Other 14 cats were composed of allergic cases. A total 0.2 ml of blood was taken from all cats for specific IgE analysis against 20 different allergens, in which interpretation involved solely house dust mites. Regarding allergen specific IgE levels (kU/l) in allergic cats, in vitro tests gave a positive reactions for D. farinae [class 3,4 (n=1), class 2 (n=7), class 1 (n=6) and class 0 (n=0)] and D. pteronyssinus [class 3,4 (n=1), class 2(n=5), class 1(n=4) and class 0 (n=4)] in whom at least 1 antigen was detected in all allergic cats. There was a statistical significance for specific Ig E leves between healthy controls and allergic cats against house dust mites as follows; 0.21 ± 0.018 vs. 4.69 ± 1.49 for D. farinae (p=0.0001) and 0.21 ± 0.023 vs. 3.11 ± 1.21 (p=0.003) for D. pteronyssinus. In the present retrospective study, all positive reactions on the Polycheck allergy test were suggested to present underlying house dust allergens of dermatitis in enrolled cats. As far as well known factor that in vitro allergy tests solely might not be reflecting hypersensitivity from healthy cases because of nonunique clinically findings