Sensitization to the fungus Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust).

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the existence of sensitization to the fungus Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust) in a sample of the Brazilian population. This fungus attacks coffee plantations, and in some regions of Brazil the concentration of its spores in the air can be very high. METHODS: A total of 378 individuals underwent skin tests (prick and intradermal tests) with H. vastatrix extract. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the occurrence of atopy and the region where they lived (coffee-growing or non-coffee-growing regions), and another group (V) consisted of 50 rural workers employed on coffee plantations. The presence of specific IgE against the fungus H. vastatrix in sensitized individuals was demonstrated in vitro by immunoblotting. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in comparing the results with intradermal or prick tests. The incidence of positive tests was significantly higher among atopic individuals residing in coffee-growing regions (14.7%). Among rural workers, 10% showed positive tests. Immunoblotting revealed specific IgE against 20 protein bands of H. vastatrix. CONCLUSION: The fungus H. vastatrix may be an important allergen in coffee-producing countries. The sensitization is more frequent among atopic individuals residing in coffee-growing regions.

Clinical and laboratorial study of 19 cases of mucopolysaccharidoses.

UNLABELLED: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a heterogeneous group of inborn errors of lysosomal glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism. The importance of this group of disorders among the inborn errors of metabolism led us to report 19 cases. METHOD: We performed clinical, radiological, and biochemical evaluations of the suspected patients, which allowed us to establish a definite diagnosis in 19 cases. RESULTS: Not all patients showed increased GAG levels in urine; enzyme assays should be performed in all cases with strong clinical suspicion. The diagnosis was made on average at the age of 48 months, and the 19 MPS cases, after a full clinical, radiological, and biochemical study, were classified as follows: Hurler - MPS I (1 case); Hunter - MPS II (2 cases); Sanfilippo - MPS III (2 cases); Morquio - MPS IV (4 cases); Maroteaux-Lamy - MPS VI (9 cases); and Sly - MPS VII (1 case). DISCUSSION: The high relative frequency of Maroteaux-Lamy disease contrasts with most reports in the literature and could express a population variability.