The prevalence of IgE positivity, environmental factors,and clinical implications associated with mite speciesin allergic patients in Taiwan
Chun-Hsien Hsu,1,2,3 Ding-Kuo Chien,4,5 Jaw-Ji Tsai,6,7 Chung-Yang Yen,8,9 En-Chih Liao4,10
Affiliations:
1 School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
2 Department of Family Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Heping Fuyou Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
3 Department of Family Medicine, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
4 Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
5 Department of Emergency Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
6 Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
7 Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
8 Department of Dermatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
9 School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
10 Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Abstract
Background: Allergic diseases are a growing public health concern with increasing prevalence and severity. Allergens play significant roles in triggering immune responses and the development of allergic reactions.
Objective: Investigate the presence and clinical significance of dust mites, storage mites, and predatory mite Cheyletus eruditus (Ce) in household environments.
Methods: A survey of household dust was performed to determine mite occurrence and analyze influencing factors, an analysis of the correlation between mite species and allergic symptoms, and basophil activation triggered by mite allergens. Cross-reactivity between Ce and house dust mites was assessed.
Results: The high appearance rate of mite species in households of Taiwan was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and D. farinae (Df). Environmental factors such as pet keeping, vacuum cleaner usage, air conditioner usage, proximity to the kitchen, cleaning frequency, and protein concentration in beds were shown to influence mite prevalence. The appearance of Dp and Df significantly increased the occurrence of airway and nasal symptoms, while the presence of Ce was strongly correlated with skin symptoms. The activation of basophils and the correlation between specific IgE levels and allergic symptoms in response to Ce exposure were demonstrated. The presence of Ce was associated with elevated levels of allergens in bedding. The IgE adsorption between mite species was demonstrated suggesting cross-reactivity between the Ce and Dp was limited. Presence of Ce is associated with elevated levels of major mite allergens in beddings.
Conclusions: Allergenicity of Ce was confirmed by IgE reactivity and basophil activation regarding mite infestation as a potential cause of skin-related allergy.
Key words: Predatory mite, Cheyletus eruditus, mite allergy, allergic dermatitis, mite specific IgE, basophil activation