[Sensitization against storage mites in allergic rhinopathy]

Abstract

In the past 15 years, storage mites became more common as an agent in allergic airway disease. Sensitization to storage mites has been reported in farmers and grain workers. There were some studies investigating local populations, especially in the north of Europe. The sensitization to storage mites in a rural population seems to be similar to the rate found for Dermatophagoides. The main diseases caused by storage mites are allergic rhinitis and asthma. Although there is a cross-reactivity between Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and storage mites, most of the antigens were distinct from house dust mite antigens. In our study, we analysed sera obtained from patients with known house dust mite allergy. Patients with a RAST class 2, 3 or 4 for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were tested for specific IgE-antibodies against storage mites. The test was performed using the Melja EAST-technique. We obtained a sensibilization rate of 7% for Acarus siro (d70), 17% for Lepidoglyphus destructor (d71), 3% for Tyrophagus putrescentiae (d72) and 13% for Glycyphagus domesticus (d73). According to our results we can conclude that storage mites are relevant allergens in allergic rhinitis, especially in the rural population in Bavaria. Therefore, routine testing in patients with perennial rhinitis is proposed.