Mosquitoes as sources of inhalant allergens: Clinicoimmunologic and biochemical studies

Allergens involved in the cross-reactivity of Aedes aegypti with other arthropods

“…11e18 A (Stegomyia) aegypti, originally from Africa, has evolved to coexist with humans and thrives in a wide range of climates and habitats, 19e21 including tropical and subtropical regions. 19,22e24 Mosquito detritus present in house dust could also be inhaled, 25,26 leading to sensitization and induction of allergic respiratory symptoms in sensitized patients.…”

Identification and Characterization of IgE-Binding Tropomyosins in <b><i>Aedes aegypti</i></b>

“…When the contact with the allergens occurs via skin bites (saliva allergens), the symptoms consist of mild or severe local or systemic reactions [1,2,3,4]. However, evidence suggests that the inhalation of mosquito emanations and detritus deposited in house dust may induce allergic respiratory symptoms such as allergic asthma and rhinitis [5]. This is supported by epidemiological studies which show that 2.5-47% of individuals with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis are sensitized to mosquito allergens [6,7,8].…”

Immunological Aspects of the Immune Response Induced by Mosquito Allergens

“…These results suggest that the antigens contained in mosquito bodies are important environmental factors associated with allergic rhinitis in this region. An extract prepared from airborne particles collected in the homes of mosquito-allergic patients could block the binding of IgE antibodies to the antigens contained in a whole-body extract of C. quinquefasciatus [18]. This study proposes that mosquito allergens are present in the environment and that they retain their immunological properties, as shown in ELISA inhibition experiments.…”

“…It also contains allergens that may induce local cutaneous reactions and, in some cases, a systemic response in atopic individuals [14,15,16,17]. Allergens derived from the emanations and detritus of mosquitoes are also present in the air and in house dust, and may be inhaled and induce various immune responses [18,19]. …”

“…Individuals may experience a variable degree of symptoms after a mosquito bite consisting of unusual large local ecchymotic and vesiculated reactions and, in some cases, systemic reactions, such as generalized urticaria, angioedema or wheezing and even anaphylaxis [20,21,22,23]. However, it has also been shown that mosquito debris remains suspended in the air and produces an allergic respiratory response similar to that caused by other airborne allergens, such as those from the dust mite and cockroach [18,24,25]. …”