House Mite Research Articles

Bio-efficacy of some plant extracts as a new acaricide for control of the house dust and stored product mites

ABSTRACT House mites frequently trigger allergic conditions. Although conventional treatments are effective, they can result in drug resistance and pose risks to the environment, human health, and non-target organisms. Therefore, this study evaluates new botanical extracts for their biological activities against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart 1897; Pyroglyphidae), D. farinae (Hughes 1961; Pyroglyphidae), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank 1781; Acaridae), not only to control them but also to reduce their allergens (dead bodies and faecal particles) by keeping them away. It is noteworthy that of these plants, Allium cepa L. (Alliaceae) and Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae) peel extracts, as well as leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), were tested for the first time in the present study as new bioacaricides, while Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) and H. sabdariffa leaves proved to be new botanical repellents for these mite species. Based on LC50 values, A. cepa, Beta vulgaris, and S. melongena extracts had the most potent toxic effects on these mite species, while extracts of Aloe vera, Capsicum annum, and P. nigrum had the strongest repellent activity against them at the highest concentration. These natural plant extracts may have valuable potential as new acaricidal products.

Biology of house dust mites and storage mites

SummaryHouse dust mites and storage mites have a high allergenic potential and lead to sensitization through the formation of specific IgE antibodies. Due to their preferred residence in houses, they belong to the group of house mites, which are referred to as “domestic mites” in English. Their anatomy and biology account for their amazing adaptability to changing environmental situations (including temperature, humidity, food) and make it understandable that measures to reduce their abundance are usually difficult to implement in practice.

Allergens sensitization among children with allergic diseases in Shanghai, China: age and sex difference

BackgroundThe distribution of allergens has geographic characteristics. Local epidemiological data provides evidence-based strategies for the prevention and management of allergic diseases. Age and sex differences may exist in the prevalence of sensitivity to various allergens. We investigated the distribution of common allergens in allergic children in Shanghai, southeastern China.Methods39,926 children 1 month to 18 years of age diagnosed with allergic diseases were tested for the presence of serum-specific Immunoglobulins E (sIgE) to 17 allergens common to this region, using a reversed enzyme allergosorbent test.Results25,757 (64.5%) of the subjects showed elevated sIgE to at least one of the tested allergens. House mite and dust mite were the most common aeroallergens, while egg and milk were the most common food allergens. The most common aeroallergens and food allergens were similar among each allergic disease. By age-group analysis, the positive rates of aeroallergens were higher at older age. Several peaks of sensitization to food allergens were observed in children between 1 and 3 years of age for eggs, milk, nut, crab and shrimp. In addition, the sensitization to beef and mango was highest in children 3–6 years of age. The rate of positive sIgE detection was higher in males than females for all the tested allergens except cockroach, trees and beef. Considering the interplay between sex and ages and other related components (including season, monthly temperature, humidity, air quality index, test rate of patients), the sIgE positive rates of the main aeroallergens increased with age, while the main food allergens decreased; males are more sensitive to several aeroallergens (including dust mite, house mite, cat epithelium, dog epithelium and mulberry).ConclusionsHouse mite, dust mite, milk, and egg are major allergens in Shanghai. Children at younger age are more sensitive to food allergens, while increasing overall prevalence of sensitization can be found with increasing age. Boys have higher positive rates of sIgE responses than girls. Knowledge of the prevalence of allergen sensitization in different age groups and sex may help facilitate diagnosis and intervention efforts to mitigate the impact of allergic diseases in this large geographical region. This approach may be extrapolated to other regions.

Essential oils for the treatment of dust mites

House mites, including D. pteronyssinus and D. farina, are common causes of allergic diseases, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, eczema, conjunctivitis and perennial rhinitis in susceptible patients. Conventional acaricides, such as benzyl benzoate, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos are effective chemicals in treating mites. However, they are usually with high drug resistance and high adverse effects on environment, human health, and non-target organisms. Recently, essential oils from different plants were found to be safe and effective alternatives for killing different types of mites. The present review summarized the essential oils from different plants. The crude essential oils from Melissa officinalis, S.lavandulifolia oil, cade oil, P. cattleianum, Patchouli oil, Horseradish oil, C. cassia, P. cablin, Manuka oil, Clove Bud oil, and the pure essential oils, such as eugenol, caryophyllene, and camphor might be good candidates for the dust mites. Further studies on biological mechanisms of the acaricidal effects of these active essential oils, and the structure-activity relationships are needed to make the functions of these drugs more clear.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytokine, cytology and IgE allergen in horses with equine asthma

The pathophysiology of equine asthma (EA) is still not fully described, but the involvement of an allergic reaction is strongly suspected. This theory has led to the use of allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E tests to support a diagnosis of asthma. The objective of this descriptive study was to evaluate the correlation between four subgroups of EA (mastocytic mild equine asthma [MEA], neutrophilic MEA, mixed MEA, and severe equine asthma [SEA]), allergen specific IgE (measured in both serum and BALF) and mRNA expression of selected genes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Serum and BALF were collected from 64 horses with a history of lower airway problems with or without poor performance. Differential cell counts from BALF were used to assign horses to one of four groups (mastocytic MEA; neutrophilic MEA, mixed MEA, and SEA). The expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) coding for IL4, IL5, IL8, IL10, TGFB, TNFA, toll-like receptor (TLR)4, IL1RA, IL1B, matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), TLR9, chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and cluster of differentiation (CD)14 in BALF were measured using reverse transcriptase (RT) quantitative PCR (qPCR). Allergen-specific IgE was measured in serum and BALF using an allergen-specific IgE ELISA test with the screening panel: house mites, storage mites, mould and pollen. As expected, the BALF neutrophil differential count correlated with mRNA expression of MMP-8 (r = 0.611, p < 0.001), TLR-4 (r = 0.540, p < 0.001), IL-1RA (r = 0.490, p < 0.001), IL-1β (r = 0.463, p < 0.001) and IL-8 (r = 0.302, p = 0.015). Cytokine expression of IL-1β (p = 0.014), MMP8 (p = 0.028) and IL-1RA (p = 0.037) was significantly higher in the SEA group compared to the MEA subgroups. The BALF mast cell count was correlated with allergen-specific IgE for insects (r = 0.370, p = 0.002) and pollen (r = 0.313, p = 0.011). Eosinophils in BALF were correlated with BALF mRNA expression of IL-4 (r = 0.340, p = 0.006) together with a significant correlation between BALF eosinophils and allergen-specific IgE for mites (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) and pollen in BALF (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between allergen-specific IgE in serum and BALF for any of the allergen in the screening panel. Based on these results from allergen-specific IgE in horses with EA is not found in systemic circulation, and only the mastocytic and mixed subgroups of horses with EA had allergen-specific IgE in BALF. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationships identified here.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of patients afflicted with allergic asthma under immunotherapy

&lt;p align="justify"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Allergy may be defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms in which the altered immunologic reaction between foreign substance (allergens) and antibodies resulting in pathologic reactions referred as allergic reactions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="justify"&gt;Allergic asthma is well known type 1- allergic reaction Up to 30% of general population suffers from various form of this malady during normal life span .&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="justify"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the effects of immunotherapy on groups of Iraqi people afflicted with allergic asthma through some clinical and laboratories tests&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="justify"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A cross sectional study was carried out on Iraqi patients ( males and famales) in AL-Zahraa Consultant Center for Allergy and Asthma in Baghdad - Karkh, between Nov. 2013 - Apr. 2014 .The study included 60 asthmatic patients ( 6 - 45 years old) whom had allergy to house mites antigens " through skin test ",in addition to 20 apparently healthy persons as control group.A subcutaneous immunotherapy was given for 3 months, starting from diluted doses which were increased gradually. Clinical assessment was done depending on scoring of signs and symptoms, in addition to the medical history , clinical investigation, skin test, and pulmonary function test .&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="justify"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Study showed that asthma still affected all age group but tend to be higher in age group 31-45 years with male to female ratio 2:1. Family history to allergic disease play a major role 60% with increase prevalence of reactivity for indoor allergy (House Mites and Moulds).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="justify"&gt;66.7% had positive skin reaction to House Mites which includes D1 ,D2 and D1+D2. The dust found to be one of main aggravating factors. Medical condition had shown significant improvement after three months of giving immunotherapy.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="justify"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Immunotherapy need to be considered as one of alternative treatment of allergic asthma decreasing the side effects and cost of different drugs used by these patients when given regularly to them, also detection of prevalent allergens in our local atmosphere and their concentration with detection of their seasonal distribution in different parts of our country is required.&lt;/p&gt;

Food-induced anaphylaxis to Tenebrio molitor and allergens implicated

The first reported French case of severe food anaphylaxis induced by Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) concerns a male patient whose history consisted solely of allergy to house dust mites. He was not sensitised to crustaceans. Proteomic analysis of his serum led us to investigate T. molitor proteins to which he was sensitised, and, in particular, pupal cuticle protein G1A, which has never previously been notified as an allergenic protein of T. molitor. The patient also appeared to be sensitised to larval cuticle proteins A1A and A2B, to hexamerin, and to tropomyosin epitopes uninvolved in mite or crustacean cross-reactivity. He also appeared to be sensitised to α-amylase in T. molitor, the three-dimensional structures and sequences of which resemble those of the house mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and also to tubulin, a potential pan-allergen. We therefore draw attention to the risk for mite-allergic patients of eating T. molitor larvae, and we stress the urgent need for strict food labelling regulations for edible insects.

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).

Mite Fauna Assessment in Houses of Two distinct Socioeconomic Groups From Southern Brazil.

House dust mites (HDM) are the main source of aeroallergens worldwide, yet epidemiological differences between socioeconomic factors in association with this medical condition have not been studied in the south region of Brazil. To assess the prevalence of HDM in two socioeconomically distinct populations of patients with allergic asthma or rhinitis, the differences between samples from houses of high-income families and low-income families were analyzed. Mite samples were collected between July and December 2015, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The HDM were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes; Acari: Pyroglyphidae). Also, other non-pyroglyphid house mites were identified in dust samples: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank; Acari: Acaridae), Chortoglyphus arcuatus, and Cheyletus malaccensis. Identification of species was performed through morphological keys with a stereomicroscope and a phase optical microscope. A total of 104 homes was evaluated (low-income group: n = 53; high-income group, n = 51). We found a total of 721 mites, representing 11 species, in 93 (89%) houses. In the remaining houses, no mites were found. We observed no significant differences of species composition between the groups studied. However, the number of mites was significantly higher in the low-income group (P < 0.001). D. pteronyssinus was the predominant species detected, with 286 mites (39.6%). D. farinae was not detected in any sample. Our results show that living-rooms from low-income families present higher numbers of HDM.

Topical treatments of Saussurea costus root and Thuja orientalis L. synergistically alleviate atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by inhibiting protease-activated receptor-2 and NF-κB signaling in HaCaT cells and Nc/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe root of Saussurea costus (Aucklandia lappa Decne, Aucklandiae Radix, SC) and Thuja orientalis L. (TOL) have been traditionally used as anti-inflammatory agents in Korea. However, they have not been studied for the efficacy of atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. We investigated the efficacy of topical applications with 1,3-butyleneglycol extracts of SC and TOL to alleviate the symptoms of AD. Materials and methodsHaCaT cells and the dorsal skin of Nc/Nga mice had a local exposure of house mite extracts and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), respectively. After lesions developed, we topically applied 1,3-butylen glycol (vehicle; control), SC (30%), TOL (30%), or SC (15%)+TOL (15%) to the skin lesions for 5 weeks. The normal-control was not exposed to DNCB. The skin thickness, mast cell infiltration, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG1 and gene expressions of interleukin (IL)−4, IL-13, and IFN-γ in the dorsal skin and HaCaT cells were measured. ResultsChlorogenic acid (129.6±10.2μg/g) for SC and catechin and apigenin (93.4±13.2 and 16.9±1.3μg/g, respectively) for TOL were used as indicator compounds for the strength of the extracts. SC+TOL decreased the expression of protease-activated receptor-2 and ICAM-1 and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in HaCaT cells activated by 3μg/mL house mite extracts in comparison to either of SC or TOL alone. In Nc/Nga mice challenged with DNCB, SC+TOL synergistically attenuated clinical symptoms of AD such as erythema, hemorrhage, edema, excoriation and dryness in the dorsal skin better than either SC or TOL alone. Histological analysis of the dorsal skin also showed that SC+TOL treatment significantly and additively decreased the inflammatory cellular infiltrate, including mast cells and eosinophils in comparison to either of SC or TOL. SC+TOL also decreased serum IgE and IgG1 levels and the expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13 mRNA in dorsal skin in DNCB-treated Nc/Nga mice. ConclusionSC+TOL relieved the symptoms of AD by reducing pro-inflammatory activity and over-activated immune responses. These data suggest that SC+TOL may be an effective alternative intervention for the management of AD.

X-Ray Crystal Structure of the Full Length Human Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) Reveals Features of Its Chitin Binding Domain.

Chitinases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin. Human chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is one of the two active human chitinases, involved in the innate immune response and highly expressed in a variety of diseases. CHIT1 is composed of a catalytic domain linked by a hinge to its chitin binding domain (ChBD). This latter domain belongs to the carbohydrate-binding module family 14 (CBM14 family) and facilitates binding to chitin. So far, the available crystal structures of the human chitinase CHIT1 and the Acidic Mammalian Chitinase (AMCase) comprise only their catalytic domain. Here, we report a crystallization strategy combining cross-seeding and micro-seeding cycles which allowed us to obtain the first crystal structure of the full length CHIT1 (CHIT1-FL) at 1.95 Å resolution. The CHIT1 chitin binding domain (ChBDCHIT1) structure shows a distorted β-sandwich 3D fold, typical of CBM14 family members. Accordingly, ChBDCHIT1 presents six conserved cysteine residues forming three disulfide bridges and several exposed aromatic residues that probably are involved in chitin binding, including the highly conserved Trp465 in a surface- exposed conformation. Furthermore, ChBDCHIT1 presents a positively charged surface which may be involved in electrostatic interactions. Our data highlight the strong structural conservation of CBM14 family members and uncover the structural similarity between the human ChBDCHIT1, tachycitin and house mite dust allergens. Overall, our new CHIT1-FL structure, determined with an adapted crystallization approach, is one of the few complete bi-modular chitinase structures available and reveals the structural features of a human CBM14 domain.

Effects of Lobophytum crassum extract(MC-1) on Various Immunological Factors Related to Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis in Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus Treated NC/Nga mice

ABSTRACT Objectives : The aim of this study was to confirm whether or not coral has a preventive effect on development of atopic dermatitis induced by house mite(dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in NC/Nga mice.Methods : This study was undertaken by using a reliable Atopic dermatiti s mouse model demonstrating similar immune response. Lobophytum crassum was administered orally to NC/Nga mouse for 3 weeks. In order to verify the effectiveness of Lobophytum crassum in atopic dermatitis treatment, its role in immune factors were observed in NC/Nga mice.Results : ALT, AST, BUN and creatine levels were all within in the normal ranges in MC-1 200 and 400 (㎎/㎏) treated groups, indicating no induced toxicity. MC-1 200 and 400 (㎎/㎏) groups decreased of atopic dermatitis skin manifestation in NC/Nga mouse of MC-1 200 and 4 00 (㎎/㎏) groups compared to that of the control group and decreased the ratio of WBC and lymphocyte in blood.Also, MC-1 200 and 400 (㎎/㎏) groups significant decreased the ratio of CD4+, CD8+, CD11b+/Gr1+, B220/CD23 and CD4/CD25 immune cell ratio in ALN. Finally MC-1 2 00 and 400 (㎎/㎏) groups significantly increased the ratio of CD4+, CD8+, B220/CD23 and CD4/CD25 immun e cells in DLN.Conclusions : Theses results suggested that Lobophytum crassum has suppressi ve effects on aberrant and overactive immunological activities in dermatophagoides pterony ssinus-induced dermatitis mice of NC/Nga.Key words : Atopic dermatitis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Immune, Lob ophytum crassum(MC-1), NC/Nga

House dust-mite allergen exposure is associated with serum specific IgE but not with respiratory outcomes.

Exposure to house dust has been associated with asthma in adults, and this is commonly interpreted as a direct immunologic response to dust-mite allergens in those who are IgE sensitized to house dust-mite. Mattress house dust-mite concentrations were measured in a population-based sample of 2890 adults aged between 27 and 56years living in 22 centers in 10 countries. Generalized linear mixed models were employed to explore the association of respiratory symptoms with house dust-mite concentrations, adjusting for individual and household confounders. There was no overall association of respiratory outcomes with measured house dust-mite concentrations, even in those who reported they had symptoms on exposure to dust and those who had physician-diagnosed asthma. However, there was a positive association of high serum specific IgE levels to HDM (>3.5kUA /l) with mattress house dust-mite concentrations and a negative association of sensitization to cat with increasing house dust-mite concentrations. In conclusion, there was no evidence that respiratory symptoms in adults were associated with exposure to house dust-mite allergen in the mattress, but an association of house mite with strong sensitization was observed.

Impermeable dust mite covers in the primary and tertiary prevention of allergic disease: a meta-analysis

BackgroundUp to 40% of the world's population has been diagnosed with an allergic disease. The most prevalent allergy is to house dust mites. Impermeable mattress covers are often the first treatment in the prevention and decrease of symptoms of allergic disease. ObjectiveTo perform a meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of impermeable mattress covers in the primary prevention of allergic disease and as a single intervention in the tertiary prevention of allergic disease symptoms. MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were systematically searched for relevant publications. Seven primary prevention trials (n = 3,461) and 17 tertiary prevention trials (n = 1,671) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All article reviews and abstractions were performed in duplicate. ResultsNo significant pooled relative risks were found for the prevention of allergic disease. The pooled relative risks were 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.51) for house dust mite sensitization, 0.92 (95% CI 0.81–1.05) for wheeze, 0.85 (95% CI 0.70–1.02) for asthma, 1.03 (95% CI 0.90–1.19) for allergic rhinitis, and 1.05 (95% CI 0.84–1.32) for allergic dermatitis. Likewise, no significant pooled standardized mean differences were found in the tertiary prevention of symptoms. The pooled standardized mean differences were −0.03 (95% CI −0.15 to 0.09) for peak flow, −0.06 (95% CI –0.32 to 0.20) for asthma symptom score, and −0.39 (95% CI −0.88 to 0.11) for nasal symptom score. A significant effect was seen in the decrease of house mite dust level in the mattress (−0.79, 95% CI −0.98 to −0.60). ConclusionNo evidence was found to support the use of impermeable mattress covers in the primary prevention of allergic disease or in the tertiary prevention of allergic disease symptoms.

Distribution characteristics and clinical significance of specific immunoglobulin E in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with multiple sensitization factors

Objective To evaluate the distribution characteristics of the positive ratio of serum allergen speci-fic IgE(sIgE) in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with multiple sensitization factors, which may be beneficial for recommendations on the avoidance of allergen and assessment of atopic disease. Methods A total of 128 children with asthma and allergic rhinitis were enrolled(93 male, 35 female, aged from 1.5 to 16.1 years old, and the average age was 7 years and 8 months). All of the patients were presented as positive allergic screening test results for 2 or more kinds of allergen when evaluated.Eighty-seven patients were diagnosed as asthma combined with allergic rhinitis, while 38 cases with allergic rhinitis and 3 cases with asthma.The serum sIgE levels to 29 kinds of inhalant allergens and food allergens for each patients were detected by the UniCAP250 quantified IgE measurement system. Results The positive ra-tios of each inhalant allergen for all the patients were as follows: 67% for House dust, 61% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 59% for Dermatophagoides farinae, 50% for Alternaria alternata, 42% for Blomia tropicalis, 29% for Cat dander, 23% for Dog dander, 11% for Cockroach, 32% for Artemisia vulgaris, 29% for Humulus scandens, 28% for White ash, 26% for Ambrosia elatior, 24% for Willow, 24% for Mountain juniper, 24% for London plane, 24% for Humulus scandens, 22% for Chenopodium album and 20% for Common silver birch; the positive ratios of each food allergen were as follows: 25% for Milk, 25% for Egg white, 7% for Shrimp, 6% for Crab, 6% for Egg yolk, 4% for Chicken, 2% for Fish, 31% for Wheat, 20% for Peanut, 17% for Soybean, 27% for Peach and 21% for Tomato.Sixty-five patients with positive results to food allergens were divided into food allergen sensitization group while the other 53 patients for food allergen non-sensitization group.The positive ratios of different inhalant allergens such as Dog dander, Alternaria alternate, Common silver birch, Mountain juniper, London plane, Willow, White ash, Ambrosia elatior, Artemisia vulgaris, Chenopodium album, Humulus scandens of children in the food allergen sensitization group were 35.4%, 60.0%, 39.7%, 41.5%, 43.1%, 43.1%, 46.2%, 43.1%, 55.4%, 40.0%, 44.6%, which were higher than those in the food allergen non-sensitization group(11.1%, 39.7%, 1.6%, 6.3%, 4.8%, 4.8%, 9.5%, 7.9%, 7.9%, 3.2%, 3.2%, respectively, all P<0.05). The positive ratios of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and House dust in the food allergen non-sensitization group were 69.8%, 69.8%, 76.2%, respectively, which were higher than those in the food allergen sensitization group (52.3%, 49.2%, 58.5%, respectively, all P<0.05). Eighty-two point eight percent of the children with asthma combined with allergic rhinitis and 73.7% of the children with allergic rhinitis were sensitive to 3 or more kinds of inhalant allergens. Conclusions Inhalant allergens such as house dust, mites and molds were the main sensitization allergen for asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with multiple sensitization factors.The asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with food allergens sensitization often presented sensitive to animal dander, molds and outdoor inhalant allergens, while those without food allergens sensitization were more commonly sensitive to indoor allergens. Key words: Asthma; Allergic rhinitis; Specific immunoglobulin E; Allergen

Assessment of Commercial Specific IgE Assay for Detection of Allergens in Allergic Patients

Allergy is a serious health problem throughout the world, affecting people of all ages. Allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are becoming an epidemic in our country, the cost of investigating these diseases is increasing and becoming expensively high. There are many ways to explore allergenic antibodies to assess the presence the amount of specific IgE as: Skin test (Prick), Specific IgE (ELISA), RAST Sp.IgE and Elimination Challenge method. Skin test produces pain, local and anaphylactic reaction and patient discomfort, other procedure with highly cost to patient. So, we have built up an evidence to use it in our allergy and immunology clinic has suitable cost for all patients based about for the other tests but it was very simple, accurate, cheap and does not produce any problems to patients. Our test depends on ELISA technique, it measures the quantitative amount of the following different allergens: As regard food allergens: Milk, Eggs, Banana, Maize, Fish, Chocolate, Wheat, Nuts, Strawberry, Shrimps, Spices, with drug as Aspirin. As regard inhalants as: House dust, Mite, Mixed Pollens, Mixed Moulds, Hay dust, Wool, Latex and Cat Hair. 150 allergic patient results of our test compared with specific IgE national kits (ELISA), Sp.IgE (RAST), Skin test and elimination challenge test. The statistical evaluation results as regard senistivity respectively: 88.9%, 89.6%, 91.2%, 71.4%, 93.1%. As regard specificity the results: 93.1%, 94.7%, 95.3%, 65.5%, 91.6%, the latter results showed that our test was in line with all tests. Our test was probably in food, drug and inhalant allergens, it can be also noted that the cheapest and most commercial technique was used, so as to be available immediately in standard laboratory and its reagents, plate and other requirements were prepared locally in our laboratory. Now it was applying successfully in allergy and immunology unit Ain Shams university hospitals in Egypt.

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and the relation between allergic rhinitis and the development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and OSAS severity in patients with simple snoring and OSAS. A total of 80 patients (51 males, 29 females; mean age 45.4±8.1 years; range 18 to 69 years) who were admitted to our clinic with the complaints of snoring and nocturnal awakening and diagnosed with simple snoring and OSAS were included in the study and divided into four groups according to apnea-hypopnea indexes (AHIs) scores. The patients were interrogated about the presence of allergic rhinitis. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and prick tests were performed. We found allergic rhinitis in 18 of the 80 (23%) patients. The house mites were found to be the causative allergen in 13 of the 18 (72%) patients. We recommend that the allergy symptoms such as nasal obstruction and sneezing should be added to the questions that are asked to the patients with simple snoring and OSAS and that the investigations should include the skin prick and RAST tests in these patients.

P67 The associations of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and ionised calcium with lung function and allergen skin prick tests in adolescents and adults: findings from a cross-sectional study using the US Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)

ObjectiveTo examine the association of circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and ionised calcium with lung function and sensitisation to common environmental allergens in adolescents (12–19 years) and adults (20–59...

Injection allergen immunotherapy for asthma

Allergen specific immunotherapy has long been a controversial treatment for asthma. Although beneficial effects upon clinically relevant outcomes have been demonstrated in randomised controlled trials, there remains a risk of severe and sometimes fatal anaphylaxis. The recommendations of professional bodies have ranged from cautious acceptance to outright dismissal. With increasing interest in new allergen preparations and methods of delivery, we updated the systematic review of allergen specific immunotherapy for asthma. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of allergen specific immunotherapy for asthma. We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trials Register up to 2005, Dissertation Abstracts and Current Contents. Randomised controlled trials using various forms of allergen specific immunotherapy to treat asthma and reporting at least one clinical outcome. Three authors independently assessed eligibility of studies for inclusion. Two authors independently performed quality assessment of studies. Eighty-eight trials were included (13 new trials). There were 42 trials of immunotherapy for house mite allergy; 27 pollen allergy trials; 10 animal dander allergy trials; two Cladosporium mould allergy, two latex and six trials looking at multiple allergens. Concealment of allocation was assessed as clearly adequate in only 16 of these trials. Significant heterogeneity was present in a number of comparisons. Overall, there was a significant reduction in asthma symptoms and medication, and improvement in bronchial hyper-reactivity following immunotherapy. There was a significant improvement in asthma symptom scores (standardised mean difference -0.59, 95% confidence interval -0.83 to -0.35) and it would have been necessary to treat three patients (95% CI 3 to 5) with immunotherapy to avoid one deterioration in asthma symptoms. Overall it would have been necessary to treat four patients (95% CI 3 to 6) with immunotherapy to avoid one requiring increased medication. Allergen immunotherapy significantly reduced allergen specific bronchial hyper-reactivity, with some reduction in non-specific bronchial hyper-reactivity as well. There was no consistent effect on lung function. If 16 patients were treated with immunotherapy, one would be expected to develop a local adverse reaction. If nine patients were treated with immunotherapy, one would be expected to develop a systemic reaction (of any severity). Immunotherapy reduces asthma symptoms and use of asthma medications and improves bronchial hyper-reactivity. One trial found that the size of the benefit is possibly comparable to inhaled steroids. The possibility of local or systemic adverse effects (such as anaphylaxis) must be considered.

Mite and cockroach sensitisation in patients with allergic rhinitis in the Free State

Studies in patients with allergic rhinitis living in the Free State have showed grass pollens to be the predominant allergens, with house-dust mite sensitisation being less prevalent than in the coastal areas and a low rate of sensitisation to the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor. No studies have been conducted on sensitisation to the other storage mites, spider mites or cockroaches. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sensitisation to various house-dust mites, storage mites, spider mites and cockroaches in patients with allergic rhinitis living in the Free State. Fifty consecutive patients with allergic rhinitis attending the ear, nose and throat clinic at Universitas Hospital underwent skin-prick testing and/or ImmunoCAP RAST testing for common aero-allergens, house-dust mites, storage mites, spider mites and cockroaches. Forty-six per cent of patients were sensitised to one of the house-dust mites, with house mite sensitisation being significantly more common in patients who had previously lived at the coast. Storage mites were not common aero-allergens, while 46% of patients were sensitised to the spider mite Tetranychus urticae. Blatella germanica was the cockroach species to which patients were most commonly found to be sensitised on ImmunoCAP RAST testing, with 38% of patients being sensitised to this aero-allergen. House-dust mites, T. urticae and the cockroach B. germanica appear to be important aero-allergens in the Free State. Storage mite sensitisation is not common.