Anaphylaxis after ingestion of wheat flour contaminated with mites

Abstract

Background: Anaphylaxis after ingestion of flours contaminated with mites has been recently reported.

Objective: The study was designed to determine whether four-induced reactions in the absence of food sensitivity may result from mite contamination.

Methods: Patients with systemic reactions after ingestion of foods containing wheat flour and without food sensitivities were included in a prospective study. The flours were examined microscopically, and major Dermatophagoides allergens were quantified by monoclonal antibody techniques. Skin prick tests and IgE determinations to mites and flours were performed. Single-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges were also performed.

Results: Sixteen patients were included in our protocol. They showed respiratory allergies to dust mites (100%) and intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid (87%). Microscopic examination of four flours implicated in allergic reactions revealed a high degree of mite contamination: Dermatophagoides farinae in one case and Thyreophagus entomophagus in three cases. Our patients' skin test and specific IgE responses to the flours implicated in the reactions were positive. A high level of Der 2 was found in the flour infested by D. farinae. Three of six food challenges with contaminated flours resulted in systemic reactions. Good tolerance to control flours was shown in our patients.

Conclusion: Ingestion of foods contaminated with mites may induce systemic anaphylactic reactions in patients with respiratory allergy to mites.