ABSTRACT
Dermatophagoides had been established as an antigen in house dust by many investigators. An untapped source of cross antigenicity is presented in this paper, namely, Otodectes cyanotis, the mite found in the ears of millions of cats. House dust samples for mite species in other parts of the world may not be similar to samples in the United States since in most other countries the cat exists outdoors, whereas in this country it is a household pet.
Subject(s)
Cross Reactions , Dust , Epitopes , Mite Infestations/immunology , Animals , Cats , Ear Diseases/immunology , HumansABSTRACT
A critique of standardized bronchial provocation procedures is presented in order to make this increasingly important methodology more clinically popular. At the present time when sophisticated technology is taking the patient away from even well trained physicians, this is an attempt to abbreviate a valuable technique for the needs of a busy office practice. Pharmacologic bronchoprovocation with fewer mediator dilutions and the use of a simple spirogram can provide very satisfactory diagnostic information.
Subject(s)
Asthma/diagnosis , Bronchial Spasm/chemically induced , Forced Expiratory Volume , Histamine , Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate , Methacholine Compounds , Respiratory Function Tests/methods , Vital CapacityABSTRACT
There are few known adequate or accurate pollen surveys of the various climates of the Middle East. Certain of these countries, such as Iraq and Iran, have tested alleged "hay fever plants" but such surveys have been primitive and are based on searching for the families of hay fever plants of other nations within their boundaries. No sophisticated studies exist. This study is the result of a recent visit to Baghdad where the authors performed an admittedly rough plant survey, particularly identifying the flora indigenous to the area. Subsequently a roughly spaced mod survey was undertaken. The authors hope that a thorough pollen survey will eventually be made in these countries to enable physicians to better care for their allergic patients.
Subject(s)
Fungi , Pollen , Alternaria , Aspergillus , Climate , Humans , Intradermal Tests , Iraq , Penicillium , Radioallergosorbent TestABSTRACT
Grove et al of Australia studied humoral and cellular immunity in 91 asthmatic patients and found that 18% failed to have an adequate humoral response to a booster dose of tetanus and 9% failed to react to five delayed type hypersensitivity testing antigens. The authors, Gaillard and Larkin, were unable to corroborate these results in their office.
