Dust Allergens Research Articles

IgE sensitization in autism children

Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) includes a set of disorders characterized by deficits in communication, social interactions and stereotypical behaviors. Recent studies suggest a higher frequency of atopic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies...). The aim of our study was to assess IgE sensitization to the most frequent allergens in children with ASD. Methodes The study involved 30 children with ASD and 39 controls. The total IgE as well as the IgE specific to the food (FP2, FP5 and FP51) and respiratory (HP1 and GP1) allergen panels were determined in all children by chemiluminescence technique on the Immulite 2000Xpi. Results There was no significant difference between children with ASD and control in total IgE levels (high IgE level in 66.7% TSA vs 51.3%). Overall analysis of IgE sensitization to common allergens showed a higher frequency in ASD children (65.6% ASD versus 28.9% control, P = 0.002). Also, sensitization to house dust allergens (D1, D2 and I6) and to food allergens of FP5 panel (F1, F2, F4, F13 and F210) was more common in children with ASD (46.87% vs 21.05% and 37.5% vs. 13.16%, respectively, P Discussion Recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong statistical correlation between risk for ASD and either maternal or infantile atopic diseases, such as asthma, eczema, food allergies and food intolerance. One explanation for such high rates of allergic diseases in the ASD group could relate to immune sensitivity corresponding to intrinsic stress factors and/or psychosocial stress commonly found in children with ASD. In addition, some research has suggested that stress could aid in releasing neurogenic inflammatory agents, which is also identified in bronchial mucosa or immune cells, and conversely, that the immune system could also modulate the central nervous system function via various molecules, including cytokines. Conclusion Our study found an increased IgE sensitization to common respiratory and food allergens in ASD children.

ECOLOGICAL AND HYGIENIC ASPECTS OF THE SENSITIZATION RATE OF THE POPULATION IN A RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT

There are considered ecological-hygienic aspects of the sensitization rate of population in residential environmental. The considerable part of the life of a person passes in conditions of residential environmental, he is exposed to the whole complex of sensitizing factors, with the house dust being the most important among these factors. Results. According to results of our research, the greatest number of allergic reactions was noted under the contact with domestic, pollen and epidermal allergens. In the structure of allergic diseases in the population the most frequent were allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The overwhelming majority of observed cases was shown to suffer from functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and there was also observed the presence of chronic foci of inflammation. As a result of the executed comprehensive hygienic evaluation of the quality of residential environment there was established that in conditions of residential and public buildings the array of chemicals also had allergical effect on population. Discussion. The complex chemical pollutants of the residential environment in isolation was shown to fail to exert anaphylactogenic activity, whereas in complex with house dust allergen there are revealed the decline in immunological indices of the nonspecific resistance and inhibition of functional activity of T-suppressors, and amplification of immediate hypersensitivity in condition of impact of allergical complex of domestic dust. The existence of disorders of different functional systems of organism also provokes the development of the state of the hypersensitivity of population. Conclusions. The sensitization of the population was shown to be directly affected by the combined effect on human sensitization with allergenic components of house dust and chemical pollutants. Factors contributing to the development and occurrence of allergic pathologies among the population include: the level of chemical contamination of residential environment, various functional disorders of the body systems, which give rise in increased sensitization of the population.

Intake safety of Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 and its effects on nasal and ocular symptoms associated with mites and house dust: An open-label study and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study

Background: We previously reported that Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 (LH2171) inhibited the proliferation and secretion of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory cytokines in primary immune cells. Furthermore, in vivo administration of LH2171 has been demonstrated to suppress the incidence and development of murine rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we evaluated whether the intake of drinkable yogurt (DY) containing LH2171 alleviated nasal and ocular symptoms of allergy to mites and house dust allergens. The safety of LH2171 was also confirmed in an independent, open-label study in 20 healthy subjects who consumed an excessive amount of LH2171.Methods: In study 1, the effect of daily intake of DY containing LH2171 for 12 weeks on nasal and ocular symptoms was evaluated in healthy men and women who tested positive for house dust or mite-specific IgE in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. One hundred subjects were divided into two groups: subjects taking placebo DY (P group, n = 50) and subjects taking DY containing approximately 1 × 109 cells of LH2171 (LH2171 group, n = 50) daily for the 12 weeks. After excluding subjects that met exclusion criteria, data obtained from 94 subjects (LH2171 group: n = 48; P group: n = 46) were analyzed to establish LH2171 efficacy. LH2171 safety was assessed in an independent, open-label trial in 20 subjects (study 2) who consumed an excessive amount of DY containing approximately 3 × 109 LH2171 cells.Results: In study 1, the decreases in the total scores of the nasal and ocular discomfort between week 0 and week 8 in LH2171 group were significantly larger than those in P group. Additionally, the number of sneezes decreased significantly in LH2171 group compared with P group on weeks 9–12 compared to the number of sneezes at baseline. In study 2, no adverse effects of LH2171 on systolic bold pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, body weight, blood and urinalysis parameters were reported.Clinical trial registration: UMIN000027791 (study 1), UMIN000029058 (study 2).Conclusion: Daily intake of LH2171 for 12 weeks may regulate immune function and improve nasal and ocular symptoms in the subjects with mite or house dust allergy.

Modulation of Allergic Reactivity in Humans Is Dependent on Schistosoma mansoni Parasite Burden, Low Levels of IL-33 or TNF-α and High Levels of IL-10 in Serum.

Helminth infections and allergies are characterized by a predominant type-2 immune response. In schistosomiasis, the Th-2 response is usually accompanied by induction of immunoregulatory mechanisms that contribute to worm survival and less severe schistosomiasis. Although helminth-induced immunomodulatory mechanisms seem to affect atopy, epidemiological studies on the relationship between helminths and allergy have been inconsistent, and data suggest that the modulatory effects may be influenced by helminth species, chronicity of infection, and parasite burden. Here we performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the effects of Schistosoma mansoni parasite burden and immune response on allergic reactivity of individuals living in a schistosomiasis endemic area in Brazil. Fecal samples from the participants were collected for extensive parasitological examinations by spontaneous sedimentation, Kato-Katz, Helmintex and Saline Gradient tests and molecular detection of S. mansoni by qPCR. Additionally, the concentrations of cytokines and chemokines, total IgE and IgE-reactivity to common house dust allergens were quantified from serum samples. IgE reactivity to dust allergens was detected in 47 individuals (23.8%), and 140 individuals (54.4%) were diagnosed with S. mansoni infection. Most of the infected population (108 individuals) presented very low parasite burden (≤12 eggs/g of feces). The frequency and intensity (p ≤ 0.03) of allergic reactivity were lower in S. mansoni-infected compared with non-infected individuals. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted by age revealed that allergic reactivity was positively associated with low IL-10 response (OR, 4.55, 95% CI, 0.56–7.36) and high concentration of the inflammatory mediators IL-33 (OR, 2.70, 95% CI, 1.02–7.15) or TNF-α (OR, 6.88, 95% CI, 0.32–143.39) in serum, and inversely associated with S. mansoni infection (OR, 0.38, 95% CI, 0.16–0.87). Most importantly, the logistic regression demonstrated that the modulatory effects of Schistosoma infection depend on parasite burden, with individuals infected with ≤12 eggs/g of feces showing allergic IgE-reactivity similar to non-infected individuals Altogether, our data show that immunomodulation of allergic reactivity depends on S. mansoni burden, low type-2 inflammatory response, and high level of IL-10.

Endotoxin, cat, and house dust mite allergens in electrostatic cloths and bedroom dust

Environmental exposure to endotoxin, Fel d I (cat) allergen and Der p I (house dust mite) allergen have been associated with asthma symptoms and have been measured in the environment using various sampling methods, including the electrostatic dust collector. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether levels of endotoxin and allergens were detectable in electrostatic dust collectors and to examine the correlation of allergen and endotoxin levels between electrostatic dust collectors and vacuum sampling methods (floor dust and mattress dust). Electrostatic cloths, bedroom floor dust and mattress dust samples from a subset of 60 homes were randomly selected from the Health of Occupants of Mouldy Homes study for allergen and endotoxin analysis. Fel d I and Der p I allergens were analyzed by double monoclonal antibody ELISA and endotoxin by the kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. An enhanced ELISA method was used to analyze Der p I in the electrostatic cloths. Endotoxin was detected in all samples, however Fel d I and Der p I were not detected in all electrostatic dust collector samples (detection in 53% and 15% of cloths respectively). No correlations were found between cloth and dust samples for endotoxin or Der p I, but moderate-to-strong correlations were found between all three sampling methods for Fel d I (rs = 0.612–0.715, p < 0.001). Poor correlation was found between floor dust and mattress dust samples for Der p I (rs = 0.256, p = 0.048). Electrostatic dust collectors may provide a way to measure airborne dust and allergen. Given the moderate-to-low correlations with vacuum dust sampling, this may present a unique measurement system which, when collected alongside traditional vacuum dust sampling, could provide additional exposure measures. Further studies are required to correlate endotoxin and allergen levels measured by electrostatic dust collector with air sampling and to explore the relationships between these bioaerosols, environmental factors and asthma.

Sampling Devices for Indoor Allergen Exposure: Pros and Cons.

To review current indoor allergen sampling devices, including devices to measure allergen in reservoir and airborne dust, and personal sampling devices, with attention to sampling rationale and major indoor allergen size and characteristics. While reservoir dust vacuuming samples and airborne dust volumetric air sampling remain popular techniques, recent literature describes sampling using furnace filters and ion-charging devices, both which help to eliminate the need for trained staff; however, variable correlation with reservoir dust and volumetric air sampling has been described. Personal sampling devices include intra-nasal samples and personal volumetric air samples. While these devices may offer better estimates of breathable allergens, they are worn for short periods of time and can be cumbersome. Reservoir dust sampling is inexpensive and is possible for families to perform. Airborne dust sampling can be more expensive and may better quantify cat, dog, and mouse allergen exposure. Personal sampling devices may offer a better representation of breathable air.

Crocin Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms by down Regulation of Th2 Response via Blocking of NF-κB/STAT6 Signaling Pathways in Mice

Crocin, a major constituent of Gardenia jasminoides, is a natural colorant carotenoid compound that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of crocin on mice with atopic dermatitis induced by Dermatophagoides farinae crude extract, which is a common environmental allergen in house dust that causes atopic dermatitis in humans. Crocin application ameliorated Dermatophagoides farinae crude extract-induced atopic dermatitis symptoms by inhibiting the dermatitis severity score, ear thickness, and serum immunoglobulin E levels in NC/Nga mice. The increases in epidermal thickness and dermal inflammatory cells (eosinophil and mast cells) infiltrations observed on the dorsal back skin of atopic dermatitis control mice were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by topical application of crocin in atopic dermatitis treatment mice. Crocin inhibited the Dermatophagoides farinae crude extract-induced increase of thymus and activation-regulated chemokines, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13 on the dorsal skin of mice. Crocin also inhibited Dermatophagoides farinae crude extract-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6. These results show that crocin ameliorates atopic dermatitis symptoms by down regulation of the Th2 cells-mediated immune response via blocking of NF-κB/STAT6 signaling pathways.

Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement.

Negative air ions (NAIs) have been discovered for more than 100 years and are widely used for air cleaning. Here, we have carried out a comprehensive reviewing on the effects of NAIs on humans/animals, and microorganisms, and plant development. The presence of NAIs is credited for increasing psychological health, productivity, and overall well-being but without consistent or reliable evidence in therapeutic effects and with controversy in anti-microorganisms. Reports also showed that NAIs could help people in relieving symptoms of allergies to dust, mold spores, and other allergens. Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant that affects human health. Experimental data showed that NAIs could be used to high-efficiently remove PM. Finally, we have reviewed the plant-based NAI release system under the pulsed electric field (PEF) stimulation. This is a new NAI generation system which releases a huge amount of NAIs under the PEF treatment. The system may be used to freshen indoor air and reduce PM concentration in addition to enriching oxygen content and indoor decoration at home, school, hospital, airport, and other indoor areas.

Dust Exposures, IgE Levels, History of Allergy, and Symptoms of Allergy in Poultry Workers

Poultry dust exposure may increase workers’ health risks, particularly in the form of respiratory allergic reactions. This study aimed to identify mold content of the dust and to analyze the association between dust exposure, IgE level, history of allergy, and symptoms of allergy. This study used cross sectional design with total samples of 33 workers. The data were analyzed using chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. This study found 93.33% growth of Aspergillus sp., 69.7% work duration &gt; 3 years, 84.8% high IgE levels, 18.2% history of allergy, and 69.7% symptoms of allergy. Dust exposure and history of allergy did not show significant correlation with symptoms of allergy while IgE levels had significant correlation with p-value of 0.036. Workers with high IgE-level were 15.986 times more likely to have symptoms of allergy (p-value 0.028). Aspergillus sp. as dust allergen potentially increased IgE levels and might become the base for facilitation of early and independent preventive and promotive efforts of workers’ health.

The Role of Dust Mites in Allergy.

House dust mites are an unsurpassed cause of atopic sensitization and allergic illness throughout the world. The major allergenic dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Euroglyphus maynei, and Blomia tropicalis are eight-legged members of the Arachnid class. Their approximately 3-month lifespan comprises egg, larval, protonymph, tritonymph, and adult stages, with adults, about one fourth to one third of a millimeter in size, being at the threshold of visibility. The geographic and seasonal distributions of dust mites are determined by their need for adequate humidity, while their distribution within substrates is further determined by their avoidance of light. By contacting the epithelium of the eyes, nose, lower airways, skin, and gut, the allergen-containing particles of dust mites can induce sensitization and atopic symptoms in those organs. Various mite allergens, contained primarily in mite fecal particles but also in shed mite exoskeletons and decaying mite body fragments, have properties that include proteolytic activity, homology with the lipopolysaccharide-binding component of Toll-like receptor 4, homology with other invertebrate tropomyosins, and chitin-cleaving and chitin-binding activity. Mite proteases have direct epithelial effects including the breaching of tight junctions and the stimulation of protease-activated receptors, the latter inducing pruritus, epithelial dysfunction, and cytokine release. Other components, including chitin, unmethylated mite and bacterial DNA, and endotoxin, activate pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system and act as adjuvants promoting sensitization to mite and other allergens. Clinical conditions resulting from mite sensitization and exposure include rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Systemic allergy symptoms can also occur from the ingestion of cross-reacting invertebrates, such as shrimp or snail, or from the accidental ingestion of mite-contaminated foods. Beyond their direct importance as a major allergen source, an understanding of dust mites leads to insights into the nature of atopy and of allergic sensitization in general.

How clean is your house? A study of house dust mites, allergens and other contents of dust samples collected from households

ABSTRACTHousehold dust contains an array of constituents, including house dust mites (HDM) and the HDM allergen, Der p 1, which can cause sensitivities such as asthma and eczema. Vacuuming can help alleviate symptoms, yet little is understood about cleaning behaviour in different households. This pilot study investigated the contents of dust from four household types (students; over 65 s; and families with and without pets). This was then related to cleaning behaviours and perceptions of cleanliness. Our investigation found that HDMs and Der p 1 were present in all households and sampling locations, including participants’ cars. The median Der p 1 was greatest in the living room, though results varied. Demographic group was a determinant for the number of human and pet hairs present in dust. Surprisingly, vacuuming was the most disliked task overall. This information requires consideration when developing cleaning products and advising individuals with dust-related health issues.

Bedroom exposure to airborne allergens in the Chicago area using a patient-operated sampling device

BackgroundIn current practice, allergens in vacuum-collected dust are used as surrogates for inhalable allergens. We developed an air-sampling device that can be used by patients for direct measurement of airborne allergen concentrations in their own homes. ObjectiveTo demonstrate the use of this device to establish allergen concentration reference ranges in a target population and to evaluate associations between patient-reported information and measured allergen concentrations. MethodsPatients from 5 allergist's practices in the Chicagoland region were provided with instructions, questionnaires, informed consent forms, and samplers to run for 5 days in their bedrooms. Samples were collected from cartridges and assayed by multiplex immunoassays for 12 common household allergens and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for ragweed. ResultsUnique allergen profiles were obtained for 102 patient homes. Samples with allergen concentrations above the limit of detection were as follows: total dust mite, 28%; cat, 61%; dog, 64%; mouse, 12%; rat, 0%; cockroach, 4%; Alternaria, 6%; Aspergillus, 21%; birch pollen 1%; grass, 8%; and ragweed, 5%. Of those, 75 completed questionnaires, providing meta-data for further analysis. Pet allergens correlated significantly with number of pets owned. Humidity correlated with dust mite allergens, open windows with Alternaria and mouse allergens, and high-efficiency particulate air filter use with reduced levels of several allergens. Many other variables showed no significant correlations. ConclusionThe combination of ease of use, high air-sampling rate, and sensitive immunoassays permitted the measurement of airborne allergen concentrations in homes and establishment of reference ranges. Patient-reported information permitted identification of factors that could relate to allergen concentrations and suggested remedial measures.

Prevalence of Specific IgE to Dust and Storage Mites in Patients from Buildings with Moisture Damage Using Pharmacia- and DPC-Specific IgE Immunoglobulin Assays

The interpretation of the results of in vitro tests for allergy to different kinds of mites may be challenging for clinicians due to the methodological differences between commercial tests. We assessed the presence of specific IgE-antibodies to house dust and storage mites in the serum of 24 patients with respiratory symptoms, and in 24 healthy controls, using two methods: the Pharmacia UniCAP System® (today Thermo Fisher Scientific. Allergy. Phadia AB) and DPC Alastat assays®. We also tested a storage mite mix reagent from Pharmacia. The presence and characterisation of the mites in the dust samples were assessed using microscopy. The Pharmacia experimental storage mite mix was positive for 11 out of 12 patients in a Pharmacia positive specific test. In the patient sera, Pharmacia detected 61 positive specific responses, whereas DPC detected 24. This indicates a significant analytical difference between the methods. The presence of identifiable mites or mite allergens in dust found by microscopy might confirm the IgE response. Combining the specific IgE test for the house mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and a storage mite mix test, including the mites Acarus siro, Glycophagus domesticus, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae, can produce a cost-effective estimate of a suspected mite sensitisation case (IgE response).

House Dust Mite Sublingual Immunotherapy for Pediatric Patients With Allergic Asthma.

To review the published literature evaluating administration of house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in pediatric patients with allergic asthma. PubMed database search (1966 to November 2017) using the search terms allergy, allergic rhinitis, asthma, allergic asthma, house dust mite, allergen immunotherapy, subcutaneous immunotherapy, sublingual immunotherapy, MK-8237, children, and pediatric. Package labeling and references from identified articles were also reviewed. Studies published in English evaluating the efficacy of HDM SLIT in children <18 years of age were included. Patients with allergic asthma who fail to improve with pharmacotherapy may require disease-modifying, HDM-specific immunotherapy. Acceptance of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in the pediatric population is limited by the need for weekly injections and the risk of systemic adverse effects. Trials in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma monosensitized to HDM demonstrated mixed results, likely because of variability in methodologies. SLIT reduced asthma symptoms in 8 placebo-controlled studies; however, asthma medication use was reduced in just 4 trials. Compared with pharmacotherapy alone, SLIT and SCIT decreased asthma symptom scores similarly for up to 3 years. Sequential SCIT/SLIT decreased both asthma symptoms and medication scores and was more effective than SLIT alone. Sublingual HDM immunotherapy reduces symptom scores in pediatric patients with allergic asthma but may be slower in onset and less effective than SCIT in reducing asthma medication use.

Common Allergens Prevalent in and Around Ambala, Haryana: An Intradermal Study among Patients with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis.

Objective:Identification of allergens by intradermal test in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema.Materials and Methods:Intradermal test was performed in 100 patients of Ambala over an 8-year period to identify the common allergens. A total of 197 allergens including 50 types of pollen, 19 fungi, 17 insects, 14 types of dust, 6 animal dander, 7 types of fabric and feather and 82 types of foods, dust mite, and parthenium were tested.Results:In this study, the major allergens were pollen (51%) followed by foods (28.9%), insects (26.9%), fungus (12.6%), dusts (6.7%). Among pollen allergens, Brassica campestris (8%) was a major allergen followed by Ageratum conyzoides (7%) and Artemisia scoparia (6%) Cannabis sativa, Cynodon dactylon and Maerua arenaria (5%). Among the fungal group, Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Candida albicans, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus nigricans (3%), Fusarium solani (2%) were found. In the insect group, mosquito (7%), ant (6%), grasshopper (5%), locust (male), moth, and house fly (4%) were the major allergens. Among the dust allergens, grain dust rice (3%), straw dust, house dust, and grain dust bajra (2%) were found. Among the food allergens, prawn (5%), almonds, Baker's yeast, Bengal gram (3%) and mushroom, mango ripe, rajma, cinnamon, chocolate, beans fresh, and areca nut (2%) were found.Conclusion:It can be said that the knowledge may help to create a mapping of allergens in this area and help to treat patients by immunotherapy or avoidance strategy.

Home Environmental Interventions for House Dust Mite

It has been 50 years since the dust mite was first appreciated to be a major source of allergen in house dust, and by extension a key trigger of allergic respiratory disease. Since that time a number of protein allergens have been identified and characterized, mainly from mite feces, and standardized mite extracts and IgE assays have been developed. Insights into the lifecycle of dust mites and aspects of mite allergen biology have shed light on the mechanisms that lead to respiratory disease and to the development of interventions that can minimize dust mite allergen exposure. It is now clear that dust mite allergy is a key contributor to asthma in many parts of the world, and that long-term avoidance can be effective for preventing sensitization and minimizing the development and severity of respiratory disease. Here, we discuss the evidence linking dust mites with respiratory disease, outline studies that support the efficacy of home environmental interventions, and highlight practical methods that have been shown to be effective as part of a multifaceted approach to dust mite avoidance.

Evaluation of skin prick test to screen dust mite sensitization in chronic respiratory diseases in Southern Vietnam.

BackgroundIn the view of the epidemic growth of sensitization to indoor allergens in Southern Vietnam, there is a requirement to screen large population.ObjectiveTo evaluate skin prick tests (SPTs) as predictors of positive specific IgE (sIgE) to dust allergens, among patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs).MethodsThe sensitization to Blomia tropicalis (Blo t), Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (Der p), and Blattella germanica allergens (Bla g) were evaluated among 610 CRD, both SPT (≥4 mm) and sIgE by immuno-CAP (≥0.7 kUA/L).ResultsBased on sIgE, 45%, 32%, and 33% of patients with CRD were sensitized to Blo t, Der p, and Bla g, respectively, compared to 19%, 18%, and 13% by SPT. The association between SPT and sIgE was statistically significant, though the Kappa factor was fair (i.e., 0.39 to 0.23). While the specificity of SPT to detect sensitization (compared to sIgE) was >90% among the whole population, the sensitivity was only 34%, 41%, and 24% for Bo t, Der p, and Bla g, suggesting that SPT was not enough sensitive to screen the indoor allergen sensitization. Though, among the <10 pack-year (PY) smokers, the sensitivity was 43% for Blo t, 52% for Der p, and 61% for Blo t and/or Der p, compared to 27%, 30%, and 35% among the ≥10 PY smokers. The sensitivity/specificity was not associated with the diagnosis of asthma compared to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionIn the present circumstance, SPT to dust mites allergens can be used to detect a sensitization among CRD population in Southern Vietnam.

Bedroom allergen exposures in US households

Bedroom allergen exposures contribute to allergic disease morbidity because people spend considerable time in bedrooms, where they come into close contact with allergen reservoirs. We investigated participant and housing characteristics, including sociodemographic, regional, and climatic factors, associated with bedroom allergen exposures in a nationally representative sample of the US population. Data were obtained from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006. Information on participant and housing characteristics was collected by using questionnaires and environmental assessments. Concentrations of 8 indoor allergens (Alt a 1, Bla g 1, Can f 1, Fel d 1, Der f 1, Der p 1, Mus m 1, and Rat n 1) in dust vacuumed from nearly 7000 bedrooms were measured by using immunoassays. Exposure levels were classified as increased based on percentile (75th/90th) cutoffs. We estimated the burden of exposure to multiple allergens and used multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors for each allergen and household allergen burden. Almost all participants (>99%) had at least 1 and 74.2% had 3 to 6 allergens detected. More than two thirds of participants (72.9%) had at least 1 allergen and 18.2% had 3 or more allergens exceeding increased levels. Although exposure variability showed significant racial/ethnic and regional differences, high exposure burden to multiple allergens was most consistently associated with the presence of pets and pests, living in mobile homes/trailers and older and rental homes, and living in nonmetropolitan areas. Exposure to multiple allergens is common. Despite highly variable exposures, bedroom allergen burden is strongly associated with the presence of pets and pests.

Hen's egg allergen in house and bed dust is significantly increased after hen's egg consumption-A pilot study.

Environmental exposure to food allergens may be a risk factor for cutaneous sensitization. Previous studies could detect peanut allergen in house dust. In this pilot study, we wanted to investigate whether hen's egg allergen is detectable in house dust collected from different household areas and whether levels are increased after intentional hen's egg consumption. Hen's egg protein levels of dust samples were measured using ELISA. In 8 of 8 households, hen's egg was detectable in dust samples of eating area and bed. Forty-eight hours after intentional hen's egg consumption, hen's egg protein levels were significantly increased in both. Still, further research is necessary to investigate whether hen's egg allergen in house and bed dust plays a role in sensitization via skin.

Immune cells linked to allergies found

People with allergies sneeze, wheeze, and scratch because their immune systems have added pollen, dust, mold, or other allergens to the list of foreign threats to attack. Researchers now report a distinct group of human immune cells that are associated with those allergic reactions (Sci. Transl. Med. 2017, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aam9171). These cells could act as biomarkers for the effectiveness of allergy therapies while also providing possible new drug targets. “For the first time, we have a way to distinguish between bad cells involved in allergies and the good ones involved in fighting infection,” says Erik Wambre of Benaroya Research Institute, who led the research team. The allergy cells his team identified are a subset of type 2 T helper (TH2) cells, which trigger the immune system’s response to both allergens and pathogenic invaders, such as bacteria and parasites. Wambre and his colleagues wanted to understand what made the TH2 cells