Cross-sectional study on sensitization to mite and cockroach allergen components in allergy patients in the Central European region

Abstract

BackgroundThe major sources of allergens in the indoor air include house dust mites, dander derived from domestic animals and rodents, cockroach, and several fungi. Mites are the main cause of allergies in some countries with a warmer climate, but the epidemiological significance of mite and cockroach allergens in Central Europe has not been established yet.MethodsWe assessed sensitization profiles of allergy patients in a Central European region in regard to sensitization to mites and cockroach. We used molecular diagnosis by means of the microarray ISAC, and we investigated 1766 patients with clinical suspicion to an allergic disorder. 1255 of them were positive to at least one allergen component, and this group was subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsThe sensitization to at least one mite-specific molecule (Der p 1, 2, Der f 1, 2) was observed relatively frequently in 32.7% of patients. Specific IgE to mite group 2 molecules is almost fully cross-reactive. Group 1 allergens are also cross-reactive, but in some patients, a species-specific response was observed. Relatively high rate of sensitization both to group 1 and 2 allergens in our patients indicates the greater role of co-sensitizations. Isolated sensitizations to molecules derived from glyciphagid mites Lep d 2 and/or Blo t 5 without sensitization to other mite-derived molecules were observed only exceptionally (in 0.6% of cases). True sensitization to at least one cockroach-specific molecule (Bla g 1, 2, 5) was very rare (in 0.6% of cases), and nearly all of them were co-sensitizations with other noncockroach-derived molecules. Sensitization to an inhaled tropomyosin was observed rarely in 2.2% of patients (Der p 10 in 1.9% and Bla g 7 in 1.5%). Co-sensitization of inhaled tropomyosins with the respective mite- or cockroach-specific molecules was observed only in the minority of patients suggesting the different route of sensitization being more frequent.ConclusionsThe majority of patients are co-sensitized to several molecules of the respective allergen source. The knowledge of this molecular spectrum of sensitization is important for optimal diagnosis and treatment in respect to allergen content in mite extracts used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In regard to the sensitization patterns of Central European patients, it is necessary to point out the importance of quantifying at least three major mite components Der f 1, Der p 1 and Der f 2 (or Der p 2).

Shrimp sensitization in house dust mite allergic patients

“…Overall, allergy to tropomyosin was diagnosed in 2.2% of the study population. 8 In the population of patients with chronic rhinitis, studied by us, the allergy to HDMs was present in 61.6% of the population, which is comparable to the results obtained in the ECAP study and could also be related to the study by Panzner et al However, a relatively high incidence of sensitization to shrimp allergens is notable in our observations (25.4%). At the same time, we have observed a statistically significant correlation between sensitization to HDMs and shrimp allergens.…”

A hypoallergenic peptide mix containing T cell epitopes of the clinically relevant house dust mite allergens

“…Der p and Der f allergens show extensive cross‐reactivity and several allergens seem to have intrinsic properties promoting their ability to induce allergic sensitization . Assessment of IgE to individual Der p allergens in cross‐sectional population studies as well as in longitudinal birth cohort studies have shown that Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 4, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 21, and Der p 23 are the most frequently recognized allergens . Among those, Der p 1, 2, 5, 7, 21, and 23 seem to be clinically most relevant, as they were shown to comprise the majority of IgE epitopes of the HDM proteome …”

“…8 Assessment of IgE to individual Der p allergens in crosssectional population studies as well as in longitudinal birth cohort studies have shown that Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 4, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 21, and Der p 23 are the most frequently recognized allergens. [9][10][11][12][13] Among those, Der p 1, 2, 5, 7, 21, and 23 seem to be clinically most relevant, as they were shown to comprise the majority of IgE epitopes of the HDM proteome. 14 At present, several molecular approaches for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) and prevention are under development.…”

Highlights and recent developments in airway diseases in EAACI journals (2018)

“…House dust mites are one of the major sources of indoor allergens in Central Europe, and cockroach allergy has been associated with the onset of asthma in the United States and Asia. In a study of the sensitization profiles of HDM and cockroach allergic patients living in Central Europe, it was found that most patients were sensitized to more than one allergen component from the same source . The authors suggested quantifying at least the three major mite components Der f 1, Der p 1, and Der f 2.…”

“…In a study of the sensitization profiles of HDM and cockroach allergic patients living in Central Europe, it was found that most patients were sensitized to more than one allergen component from the same source. 81 The authors suggested quantifying at least the three major mite components Der f 1, Der p 1, and Der f 2.…”