Cat ownership is associated with increased asthma prevalence and dog ownership with decreased spirometry values

The association between pet ownership and the development of allergic and respiratory diseases has been the aim of several studies, however, the effects of exposure in adults remain uncertain. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of asthma and lung function status among dog and cat owners. This cross-sectional study was performed at two universities with students and workers who were allocated into 3 groups according to pet ownership in the previous year: cat owners, dog owners, and no pets (control group). Subjects underwent spirometry, bronchial challenge test with mannitol, skin prick tests, and questionnaires about animal exposures and respiratory symptoms. Control group comprised 125 subjects; cat owner group, 51 subjects; and dog owner group, 140 subjects. Cat owners had increased asthma prevalence (defined by symptoms and positive bronchial challenge test), but no changes in lung function compared to the control group. The dog owner group had lower spirometry values (forced expiratory volume in one second and lower forced vital capacity), but similar asthma prevalence, compared to the control group. In the cat owner group, excess of asthma may have an immunological basis, since we found an association with atopy. Although we did not have endotoxin data from volunteers' households, we postulated that low values of lung function were associated to exposure to endotoxins present in environments exposed to dogs.

Sensitization to cat allergen and its association with respiratory allergies: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Cats are a significant source of allergens that contribute towards worsening of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sensitization to cat allergens and allergic respiratory diseases.This was an observational retrospective study based on the skin pricktests results of patients at a tertiary-level hospital in São Paulo. A total of 1,985 test results were assessed. The prevalence of sensitization to cat allergen was 20% (399 patients). Our data indicated that in this population of atopic patients, a positive skin prick test result for cat allergen was not associated significantly with a diagnosis of respiratory allergy.

Factores asociados a la sibilancia recurrente en lactantes de La Habana, Cuba / Factors associated to the recurrent wheezing in nurslings of Havana, Cuba

Introducción: en Cuba la prevalencia de sibilancia recurrente a nivel poblacional a edades tempranas es desconocida. Objetivo: identificar la magnitud y factores asociados en el lactante con sibilancia recurrente. Método: diseño epidemiológico transversal. Una muestra de 1956 niños entre las edades de 12 a 15 meses que viven en 4 municipios de La Habana fue seleccionada para su inclusión en el estudio. A los que se les aplicó por los investigadores un cuestionario validad internacionalmente y aplicado en el territorio nacional (ISAAC), con vista a obtener datos del primer año de vida. La sibilancia recurrente fue definida por la presencia de 3 ó más episodios. Resultados: la prevalencia de sibilancia recurrente fue de 20 por ciento. Los factores de riesgo de mayor importancia fueron: historia familiar de asma OR 1,89 (IC 95%:1,09-3,27), sospecha de alergia a picadura de insectos OR 1,75 (IC 95 por ciento: 1,09-2,80), antecedente de distress respiratorio al nacimiento OR 1,74 (IC 95 por ciento: 1,36-2,22) y el uso del paracetamol incluido el kogrip OR 1,40 (IC 95 por ciento: 1,14-1,73). Presencia de diferencias significativas del riesgo de sibilancia recurrente entre los 4 municipios luego del ajuste de factores de confusión. Conclusiones: la sibilancia recurrente fue identificada como un problema de salud en La Habana. Factores de riesgo modificables para la sibilancia recurrente fueron detectados en el grupo estudio, al igual que diferencias del riesgo entre los municipios. Hechos que debe tenerse en cuenta para la elaboración de futuras intervenciones(AU)

Introduction: prevalence of recurrent wheezing among Cuban infants is not known. Objective: Identify the magnitude and factors associated to recurrent wheezing in infants. Method: across-sectional epidemiological study was conducted of a sample of 1 956 children aged 12-15 months from four Havana municipalities randomly selected for inclusion in the research. A questionnaire validated internationally and used in the national territory (ISAAC) was applied to collect data about the first year of life. Recurrent wheezing was defined by the presence of three or more episodes. Results: prevalence of recurrent wheezing was 20 percent. The most important risk factors were a family history of asthma OR 1.89 (CI 95 percent:1.09-3.27), suspected allergy to insect bites OR 1.75 (CI 95 percent: 1.09-2.80), a history of respiratory distress at birth OR 1.74 (CI 95 percent: 1.36-2.22) and the use of paracetamol including Kogrip OR 1.40 (CI 95 percent: 1.14-1.73). Risk for recurrent wheezing showed significant differences between the four municipalities after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusions: recurrent wheezing was identified as a health problem in Havana. Modifiable risk factors for recurrent wheezing were detected in the study sample. Risk differences were found between the municipalities. These facts should be considered when planning future interventions(AU)

Sensibilización a ácaros domésticos en niños asmáticos severos / Sensitization to domestic mites identified in severe asthmatic patients

Introducción: las enfermedades alérgicas y el asma incrementan su prevalencia en Cuba y a nivel mundial. Los ácaros del polvo se encuentran entre los alérgenos perennes más prevalentes en todo el mundo. Objetivo: determinar la sensibilización a 3 especies de ácaros domésticos en los niños asmáticos severos de la Escuela Especial Celia Sánchez Manduley, de Tarará, provincia La Habana. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 91 alumnos, durante el curso escolar 2011-2012, y a toda la muestra se le realizaron pruebas cutáneas por punción (prick test), utilizando extractos Vallergen-BT (Blomia tropicalis), Vallergen-DS (Dermatophagoides siboney) y Vallergen-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) confeccionados por el Centro de Biopreparados, en Cuba; además se determinó IgE sérica total. Resultados: la rinitis alérgica resultó la comorbilidad alérgica más frecuente. El total de los pacientes presentó reactividad cutánea positiva a los ácaros, así como IgE sérica total elevada. La sensibilización frente al D. pteronyssinus se reportó en el 93,4 por ciento de los pacientes. No existió diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el diámetro del habón. Existió correlación entre la positividad de la IgE sérica total y la sensibilización cutánea a los 3 ácaros del polvo estudiado. Conclusiones: existe una estrecha relación entre el asma bronquial y la sensibilización a ácaros, con predominio de la especie D. Pteronyssinus

Introduction: the prevalence of allergic diseases and asthma grows in Cuba and worldwide. Dust mites are one of the most prevailing perennial allergens throughout the world. Objective: to determine the sensitization to 3 domestic mite species of severe asmathic children from Celia Sanchez Manduley special school located in Tarara, Havana province. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 91 students during the 2011-2012 academic year. The whole sample was performed prick tests using Vallergen-BT (Blomia tropicalis), Vallergen-DS (Dermatophagoides siboney) and Vallergen-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) extracts prepared by the National Center of Biopreparations and their total serum IgE were additionally estimated. Results: allergic rhinitis proved to be the most frequent comorbidity. All the patients showed positive skin reactivity to mites as well as increased total serum IgE. Sensitization to D. pteronyssinus was reported in 93.4 percent of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the habon diameter, but total serum IgE positivity and skin sensitization to the three dust mites under study were correlated. Conclusions: there is close association between bronchial asthma and sensitization to mites, being D. Pteronyssinus predominant

Laboratory animals and respiratory allergies: The prevalence of allergies among laboratory animal workers and the need for prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE: Subjects exposed to laboratory animals are at a heightened risk of developing respiratory and allergic diseases. These diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as the use of personal protective equipment. We report here the primary findings of the Laboratory Animals and Respiratory Allergies Study regarding the prevalence of allergic diseases among laboratory animal workers, the routine use of preventive measures in laboratories and animal facilities, and the need for prevention programs. METHODS: Animal handlers and non-animal handlers from 2 Brazilian universities (University of São Paulo and State University of Campinas) answered specific questionnaires to assess work conditions and symptoms. These subjects also underwent spirometry, a bronchial challenge test with mannitol, and skin prick tests for 11 common allergens and 5 occupational allergens (rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, and rabbit). RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-five animal handlers (32±10 years old [mean±SD], 209 men) and 387 non-animal handlers (33±11 years old, 121 men) were evaluated. Sensitization to occupational allergens was higher among animal handlers (16%) than non-animal handlers (3%, p<0.01). Accessibility to personal protective equipment was measured at 85% (median, considering 73 workplaces of the animal handler group). Nineteen percent of the animal handlers indicated that they wear a respirator at all times while handling animals or working in the animal room, and only 25% of the animal handlers had received an orientation about animal-induced allergies, asthma, or rhinitis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our data indicate that preventive programs are necessary. We suggest providing individual advice to workers associated with institutional programs to promote a safer work environment. .

Giardia lamblia e alergia respiratória: estudo em uma amostra de crianças de área urbana com frequência elevada da protozoose / Giardia lamblia and respiratory allergies: a study of children from an urban area with a high incidence of protozoan infections

OBJETIVO: Uma elevada incidência de enteroparasitoses é encontrada em regiões urbanas do nordeste brasileiro. As infecções por Giardia lamblia têm sido relacionadas com aumento da prevalência de alergias cutâneas e gastrointestinais. Contudo, ainda existe pouca informação sobre a associação entre a giardíase e doenças alérgicas das vias aéreas. Diante disso, o presente estudo se propôs a verificar a relação entre a infecção por G. lamblia em crianças de área urbana e reatividade alérgica respiratória. MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu 110 pacientes, de ambos os sexos e idades, entre 5 e 15 anos. Os pacientes foram submetidos a questionários de avaliação dos sintomas clínicos, testes cutâneos de leitura imediata e exames coproparasitológicos e sorológicos. RESULTADOS: Foi verificada uma frequência elevada de crianças infectadas por G. lamblia (45%, 50/110). A infecção pelo protozoário não foi associada com maior risco de alergias respiratórias (p = 0,075), elevação de IgE total (p = 0,701), IgE específica (p = 0,250) ou teste cutâneo positivo para diferentes alérgenos ambientais (p = 0,239). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou que a presença dos sintomas de asma, atopia cutânea e marcadores sorológicos não foram associados com a presença de infecção pela G. lamblia nessa amostra de crianças.

OBJECTIVES: There is a high incidence of intestinal parasite infection in urban areas in the Northeast of Brazil. Giardia lamblia infections have been associated with increased prevalence of cutaneous allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. However, little is known about the relationship between giardiasis and allergic diseases of the airways. The present study aimed to investigate the possible association between respiratory allergic diseases and infections by G. lamblia in children from urban areas. METHODS: This study recruited 110 patients of both sexes aged 5-15 years. Patients were administered a questionnaire evaluating clinical symptoms and were given skin tests, parasite tests and serum tests. RESULTS: A high incidence of G. lamblia was observed (45%, 50/110). Infections by this protozoan were not associated with increased risk of respiratory allergy (p = 0.075), high total IgE levels (p = 0.701), positive specific IgE tests (p = 0.250), or positive skin tests for a range of environmental allergens (p = 0.239). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that symptoms of asthma, skin allergy and serum markers were not associated with G. lamblia infections in this sample of children from urban areas.

Doença do refluxo gastroesofágico e hiperresponsividade das vias aéreas: coexistência além da chance? / Gastroesophageal reflux disease and airway hyperresponsiveness: concomitance beyond the realm of chance?

A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico e a asma são duas condições mundialmente comuns e podem coexistir. Contudo, a natureza da relação entre essas duas doenças ainda não é bem compreendida. Neste artigo, revisamos alguns aspectos controversos da relação entre asma, hiperresponsividade das vias aéreas e refluxo gastroesofágico, tanto em adultos, quanto em crianças.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma are both quite common the world over, and they can coexist. However, the nature of the relationship between these two diseases remains unclear. In this study, we review controversial aspects of the relationships among asthma, airway hyperresponsiveness, and gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults and in children.

Fatores preditivos para realização de cirurgia nasal em uma clínica de otorrinolaringologia no sul do Brasil, no ano de 2007 / Predictive factors for doing nasal surgery in an otolaryngology clinic of in southern Brazil, in 2007

Introdução: Avaliar os principais fatores de risco para realização de cirurgia nasal e relacionar a sensibilidade aos alérgenos inalatórios testados através do RAST e a necessidade dessa cirurgia. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo observacional, longitudinal do tipo coorte retrospectiva, de 155 pacientes que realizaram o RAST no ano de 2007, onde foram analisados sexo, idade, sintomas alérgicos (espirros, obstrução nasal, prurido ocular, prurido nasal e prurido otológico), perfil do RAST, IgE total, IgA, tipo de cirurgia, realização de cirurgia, número de cirurgias, melhora dos sintomas e recidiva dos sintomas clínicos obstrutivos. Resultados: Foi observado como fator de risco para cirurgia nasal: obstrução nasal (RR:2,38~ p<0,001), hipertrofia dos cornetos nasais (RR:2,66~ p<0,001), desvio de septo nasal (RR:2,66~ p<0,001), amigdalites de repetição (RR1,41~ p=0,02), sinusite crônica (RR:1,37~ p=0,02) e sensibilidade a fungos testada do RAST (RR:1,62~ p=0,14). Conclusão: Obstrução nasal, hipertrofia dos cornetos, desvio de septo nasal, amigdalites de repetição, sinusite crônica e sensibilidade a fungos foram fatores de risco para realização de cirurgia nasal. A sensibilidade aos alérgenos testados através RAST grupo específico não se relacionou de forma estatisticamente significativa com a realização de cirurgia nasal, mas sim com as condições clínicas que levam ao tratamento cirúrgico (AU)

Introduction: To evaluate the main risk factors for performing nasal surgery and to relate sensitivity to inhalatory allergens as tested through RAST to the need for this surgery. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was performed with a retrospective cohort of 155 patients who underwent RAST in 2007, in which the following factors were analyzed: sex, age, allergic symptoms (sneezing, nasal obstruction, eye pruritus, ear pruritus) RAST profile, total IgE, IgA, surgery type, surgery performance, number of surgeries, improvement of symptoms, and relapse of obstructive clinical symptoms. Results: The following were identified as risk factors for nasal surgery: nasal obstruction (RR:2.38~ p<0.001), hypertrophy of the nasal cornets (RR:2.66~ p<0.001), nasal septum deviation (RR:2.66~ p<0.001), repetition amygdalitis (RR1.41~ p=0.02), chronic sinusitis (RR:1.37~ p=0.02) and sensitivity to fungi as tested by the RAST (RR:1.62~ p=0.14). Conclusion: Nasal obstruction, cornets hypertrophy, nasal septum deviation, repetition amygdalitis, chronic sinusitis, and sensitivity to fungi were risk factors for the performance of nasal surgery. Although the sensitivity to allergens tested through group-specific RAST was not significantly related to nasal surgery performance, it was significantly related to the clinical conditions that lead to the surgical approach (AU)

Sensibilização a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares em crianças brasileiras atópicas, pela determinação in vitro de IgE total e específica: Projeto Alergia (PROAL) / Sensitization to inhalant and food allergens in Brazilian atopic children by in vitro total and specific IgE assay: Allergy Project - PROAL

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência de sensibilização a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares em crianças atendidas em serviços brasileiros de alergia. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: IgE sérica total e específica (RAST) a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares (UniCAP® - Pharmacia) foram determinados em 457 crianças acompanhadas em serviços de alergia pediátrica e em um grupo de controles (n = 62). Resultados classe igual ou maior que 1 foram considerados positivos (R+). RESULTADOS: A freqüência de R+ foi significantemente maior entre os atópicos (361/457, 79 por cento) quando comparados aos controles (16/62, 25,8 por cento). Não houve diferenças quanto ao sexo. A prevalência de R+ entre os atópicos foi significantemente maior para todos os alérgenos avaliados. Os níveis séricos de IgE total foram significantemente mais elevados entre os atópicos com R+ quando comparados aos com R-. Comparando-se atópicos e controles, a freqüência de R+ para os principais alérgenos inalantes foi como segue: D. pteronyssinus = 66,7 versus 14,5 por cento (p < 0,05), D. farinae = 64,5 versus 17,8 por cento (p < 0,05), B. tropicalis = 55,2 versus 19,4 por cento (p < 0,05), barata = 32,8 versus 9,7 por cento (p < 0,05) e gato = 12 versus 8,1 por cento. Com os alimentos, observou-se: peixe = 29,5 versus 11,3 por cento (p < 0,05), ovo = 24,4 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05), leite de vaca = 23,1 versus 3,2 por cento (p < 0,05), trigo = 20 versus 8,1 por cento (p < 0,05), amendoim = 14 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05), soja = 11,8 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05) e milho = 10,6 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05). Segundo a idade, os R+ aos alimentares predominaram entre as crianças mais jovens, e o inverso ocorreu com os inalantes. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta população, predominou a sensibilização aos aeroalérgenos, sobretudo aos ácaros domiciliares, e os alimentos foram importantes em crianças mais jovens.

Impact of particulate air pollutants on allergic diseases, allergic skin reactivity and lung function.

Elevated levels of particulate matter can exacerbate existing asthma and atopy, while evidence that it can promote the induction of atopy and asthma is limited. A cross sectional study was taken to compare the prevalence of eye, nose, ear and airway allergic symptoms, allergic skin sensitivity and lung function in 290 high school students with a history of high 24 hour average exposure to particulate matter less than 10 microm in diameter (PM10) = 170 microg/m3 versus low PM10 of 36 microg/m3 in central Bangkok. Multivariate analysis revealed an increased risk of eye and airway symptoms in groups exposed to higher PM10 levels (p = 0.003, and 0.05, respectively). Positive skin prick tests and a history of having a lawn at home were associated with nasal symptoms (p = 0.008 and 0.04, respectively). Mean FEF(25-75%) (forced expiratory flow that occurs during the middle 50% of the forced expiratory effort) was significantly lower in those who were exposed to higher PM10 levels (3.89 +/- 1 vs 4.42 +/- 0.9 l/sec, p < 0.001). A significant increase in days of school absence and medical expenses was associated with high PM10 exposure. It is concluded that chronic exposure to high PM 10 levels was significantly associated with increased prevalence of eye and airway symptoms and a decrement of FEF(25-75%) resulting in increase of school absence and medical expense.

Asociación entre exposición a polvo de soja, sensibilidad alérgica y perfil de síntomas respiratorios / [Association between soybean dust exposure, allergic sensitivity and profile of respiratory symptoms]

The purpose of this study was to correlate soybean dust (SD) exposure, skin reactivity to soybean hull (SH) allergens, and symptoms of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. A group of 365 subjects with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and a control group of 50 individuals without respiratory symptoms were studied. The level of exposure to SD is defined as follows: 1) direct (DE); 2) indirect (ID), and 3) urban (UE). All subjects completed standard questionnaires. Skin tests with a SH extract and with common allergens were performed by the prick technique (SPT). Fifty-six (15.3

) patients and no subjects from control group had positive SPT (histamine index > or = 0.5) with a SH allergen extract. The percentages of positive SPT to SH extract were 38.7

in subjects with DE, IE and UE, respectively (p < 0.001). Monosensitization to SH was absent in all subjects. The percent of subjects with positive SPTs to mites (p < 0.01), pollen (p < 0.01) and molds (p < 0.05) were higher in subjects with a positive SPT to SH versus those with a negative SPT to SH. Sixty-six percent of subjects with DE and 13.6

of subjects with IE or UE reported respiratory symptoms after SD inhalation (Odds Ratio: 12.67 [2.4-74.9], p < 0.001). Compared to subjects exclusively sensitized to mites, patients sensitized to SH presented significantly different clinical characteristics. Soybean production has been increasing in Argentina during the last 20 years, determining an increase in the population exposed to chronic SD inhalation. This fact determines a high risk of sensitization and triggering of respiratory symptoms in atopic subjects. This study demonstrates that there is: 1) a high prevalence of skin reactivity to SH in subjects with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis from Argentina and that this prevalence is associated with the level of exposure to SD, and 2) an association between sensitivity to SH and severity of asthma. Measures to avoid release and inhalation of SD in rural areas from Argentina are needed.

Buckwheat allergy and reports on asthma and atopic disorders in Taiyuan City, Northern China.

Allergy to common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) has been reported from Europe and Japan, and a 24 kDa globulin protein has been identified as one of the major allergens. In China also another type, tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum) is grown and consumed. Three groups of individuals in Shanxi province, China, were investigated for buckwheat allergy using skin prick test. The groups were: agricultural researchers with occupational exposure to buckwheat (N = 16); workers in a food industry producing buckwheat noodles (N = 25), and patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease consuming buckwheat as functional food (N = 20). Information on atopic disorders and adverse food reactions were collected by a doctors-administered questionnaire. One male industrial worker had a positive skin prick test to buckwheat, but no symptoms while eating or handling buckwheat products. In total, 34% consumed buckwheat food at least every week, and 23% had a weekly consumption of tartary buckwheat. The prevalence of doctor's diagnosed asthma was low (1.6%). Four subjects (6.6%) reported a history of allergic rhinitis, with allergy to cedar pollen, carnation and peach.

Specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to citrus red mite in citrus farmers: a study of their relationship to respiratory symptoms

Citrus red mite (CRM) is known as the most common sensitizing allergen in subjects with asthma and rhinitis working on citrus farms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of specific IgG1 (slgG1) and specific IgG4 (slgG4) to CRM in citrus farmers. Questionnaire survey and skin prick test including CRM antigen was done by 136 workers. Specific IgE (slgE), slgG1 and slgG4 to CRM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRM-sensitive-asthma was diagnosed upon presence of asthmatic symptoms by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and slgE to CRM. CRM-sensitive rhinitis was diagnosed upon presence of rhinitis symptoms and slgE to CRM. Eleven (8.1+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive asthma and 25 (18.4+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive rhinitis. Significant association was noted between presence of asthmatic symptoms and slgE or slgG4 (p+ADw-0.05, respectively), while no significant association was noted in slgG1 (p+AD4-0.05). Significant association was noted in the prevalence between slgG4 and slgE (p+ADw-0.05), while no significant association was noted between slgG1 and slgG4 or slgE (p+ADw-0.05, respectively). There was a significant correlation between slgE and slgG4 level (r+AD0-0.39, p+ADw-0.05). These findings suggest that the presence of slgG1 to CRM is response to CRM exposure, and further studies will be needed to evaluate the role of slgG4.Citrus red mite (CRM) is known as the most common sensitizing allergen in subjects with asthma and rhinitis working on citrus farms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of specific IgG1 (slgG1) and specific IgG4 (slgG4) to CRM in citrus farmers. Questionnaire survey and skin prick test including CRM antigen was done by 136 workers. Specific IgE (slgE), slgG1 and slgG4 to CRM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRM-sensitive-asthma was diagnosed upon presence of asthmatic symptoms by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and slgE to CRM. CRM-sensitive rhinitis was diagnosed upon presence of rhinitis symptoms and slgE to CRM. Eleven (8.1+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive asthma and 25 (18.4+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive rhinitis. Significant association was noted between presence of asthmatic symptoms and slgE or slgG4 (p+ADw-0.05, respectively), while no significant association was noted in slgG1 (p+AD4-0.05). Significant association was noted in the prevalence between slgG4 and slgE (p+ADw-0.05), while no significant association was noted between slgG1 and slgG4 or slgE (p+ADw-0.05, respectively). There was a significant correlation between slgE and slgG4 level (r+AD0-0.39, p+ADw-0.05). These findings suggest that the presence of slgG1 to CRM is response to CRM exposure, and further studies will be needed to evaluate the role of slgG4.

Specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to citrus red mite in citrus farmers: a study of their relationship to respiratory symptoms

Citrus red mite (CRM) is known as the most common sensitizing allergen in subjects with asthma and rhinitis working on citrus farms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of specific IgG1 (slgG1) and specific IgG4 (slgG4) to CRM in citrus farmers. Questionnaire survey and skin prick test including CRM antigen was done by 136 workers. Specific IgE (slgE), slgG1 and slgG4 to CRM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRM-sensitive-asthma was diagnosed upon presence of asthmatic symptoms by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and slgE to CRM. CRM-sensitive rhinitis was diagnosed upon presence of rhinitis symptoms and slgE to CRM. Eleven (8.1+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive asthma and 25 (18.4+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive rhinitis. Significant association was noted between presence of asthmatic symptoms and slgE or slgG4 (p+ADw-0.05, respectively), while no significant association was noted in slgG1 (p+AD4-0.05). Significant association was noted in the prevalence between slgG4 and slgE (p+ADw-0.05), while no significant association was noted between slgG1 and slgG4 or slgE (p+ADw-0.05, respectively). There was a significant correlation between slgE and slgG4 level (r+AD0-0.39, p+ADw-0.05). These findings suggest that the presence of slgG1 to CRM is response to CRM exposure, and further studies will be needed to evaluate the role of slgG4.Citrus red mite (CRM) is known as the most common sensitizing allergen in subjects with asthma and rhinitis working on citrus farms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of specific IgG1 (slgG1) and specific IgG4 (slgG4) to CRM in citrus farmers. Questionnaire survey and skin prick test including CRM antigen was done by 136 workers. Specific IgE (slgE), slgG1 and slgG4 to CRM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRM-sensitive-asthma was diagnosed upon presence of asthmatic symptoms by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and slgE to CRM. CRM-sensitive rhinitis was diagnosed upon presence of rhinitis symptoms and slgE to CRM. Eleven (8.1+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive asthma and 25 (18.4+ACU-) had CRM-sensitive rhinitis. Significant association was noted between presence of asthmatic symptoms and slgE or slgG4 (p+ADw-0.05, respectively), while no significant association was noted in slgG1 (p+AD4-0.05). Significant association was noted in the prevalence between slgG4 and slgE (p+ADw-0.05), while no significant association was noted between slgG1 and slgG4 or slgE (p+ADw-0.05, respectively). There was a significant correlation between slgE and slgG4 level (r+AD0-0.39, p+ADw-0.05). These findings suggest that the presence of slgG1 to CRM is response to CRM exposure, and further studies will be needed to evaluate the role of slgG4.

Fomes pectinatis: an aeroallergen in India.

This work is focused on the aerobiology and allergenicity of Fomes pectinatis in India. The atmospheric concentration of Fomes basidiospores was recorded and the antigens were prepared from spore (FSE) and whole body (FWBE) materials. The intradermal (ID) and prick (PT) skin tests were conducted on 172 patients having respiratory allergy. The period from July to October has been recorded as having a higher concentration of Fomes spores. The maximum counts (67 spores/m3) were observed from the North Delhi site in the month of July, 1989, compared with 550 spores/m3 in the South Delhi site. Marked skin positivity (2+ and above) varied from 9.8% to FSE to 22% to FWBE. Nine out of twelve ID positive patients (2+ to 3+) to FSE also gave PT positive response. For FWBE, similar ID and PT response was obtained in 80% of cases. The soluble protein content of FSE was 0.37 mg/ml, whereas, for FWBE it was 0.70 mg/ml. It was observed through ELISA that almost all patients had significantly raised FP specific IgE levels in their sera. The current study, therefore, indicates that Fomes pectinatis may be a prevalent aeroallergen in India.

Wheat threshing dust--a "new allergen" in April-May nasobronchial allergy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the allergen(s) responsible for mid April-mid May nasobronchial allergy seen in North India. DESIGN: Case control study. SETTING: Children living in and around Chandigarh (urban, rural). SUBJECTS: 39 children suffering from wheat harvest period (mid April-mid May) respiratory allergy along with randomly selected controls. METHODS: Aerobiological surveys were done from March to June for identification of prevailing allergens for performing allergy tests. Patients were subjected to skin tests (ST), nasal provocation tests (NPT) and bronchial provocation tests (BPT) with extracts prepared from identified pollens and fungal spores. Specific IgE (SIgE) was assayed by ELISA and comparison between pre-season, season and post-season values made. RESULTS: 81% patients had ST positive to antigen of wheat threshing dust (WTD), 30% to fungal antigens, 14% to wheat dust antigens and none to the wheat plant (WP) antigens. Nasal provocation test and bronchial provocation tests were also positive to WTD in 80% and 66% patients, respectively. WTD SIgE was demonstrated in 77% of ST positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: These in vivo and in vitro tests confirm wheat threshing dust as a major causative inhalant allergen for the April-May nasobronchial allergy; in addition, fungal allergens also play a role in 1/3rd of these patients.

Alergia respiratória e baixa estatura em crianças: estudo da taxa de crescimento / Respiratory allergy and low body height in children: study of the growth rate

Avaliamos a prevalência de baixa estatura (BE) entre crianças com alergia respiratória acompanhadas em serviço especializado. Esses pacientes (N = 617; 8 meses a 16 anos) com alergia respiratória (asma e/ou rinite) foram avaliados quanto à presença de BE (estatura abaixo do 3§ percentil, padräo NCHS). Foram estudadas as possíveis relaçöes entre BE e sexo; idade atual; tipo, gravidade, tempo de duraçäo da doença alérgica; tratamento com corticosteróide e peso de nascimento. Além desses fatores foram avaliadas a taxa de crescimento das crianças com idades entre 2 e 10 anos e sua mudança de percentil durante acompanhamento por prazo mínimo de 6 meses. A prevalência geral de BE foi de 7,9 por cento. Näo foram observadas relaçöes entre BE e sexo, tipo e intensidade da doença alérgica e tratamento com corticosteróides. Freqüência significantemente maior de BE ocorreu entre os com doença de maior tempo de duraçäo e os com peso de nascimento inferior a 2.500 gramas. Entre as 456 crianças com idades entre 2 e 10 anos, apenas 32 tinham BE à admissäo; destas, 15 mudaram de percentil. Freqüência maior de recuperaçäo estatural ocorreu entre os pacientes com asma leve e rinite. Näo observamos diferenças entre as taxas de crescimento das crianças que mudaram de percentil e um grupo de crianças que tinha estatura no percentil 50. Essas taxas foram significantemente mais elevadas que as das crianças com BE e que näo mudaram de percentil. Estudos longitudinais por longo período säo necessários para estabelecer de modo mais adequado a relaçäo entre alergia respiratória e BE.