No abstract available.
Acaridae ; Child ; Humans

The mite fauna of the house-dust, collected from 39 houses of Seoul, were examined and the results are as follows. 1) Mites were present in 29 samples (74.3%) and the number of mites collected was 993 in total. 2) The families of the mites distinguished were Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae, Cheyletidae, Phytoseiidae and Smariidae, and the identified species were Dermatophagoides farinae, Deromatophagoides pteroassinus, Tyrophagus purtrecentiae, Landoglyphus konoi and Cheyletus malacensis. 3) D. farinae (53.6%) showed higher frequency rate of occurance than any other mites; C. malacensis (12.8%), T. putrecentiae (7.7%), D. pteronyssinus (5.0%) and I. konoi (2.7%).
Acaridae ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dust* ; Humans ; Mites* ; Pyroglyphidae ; Seoul

A large number of house dust mites live in homes worldwide and produce the most important allergens which cause allergic diseases to the genetically predisposed individuals perennially. Herewith, the literatures published on the survey of dust mites in Korea were reviewed. In most studies, mites were isolated and investigated from the house dust samples collected by using household vacuum cleaners. Among more than 30 species of house dust mites recorded in Korea, Dermatophagoides farinae was found to be the most predominant species in homes, followed by D. pteronyssinus. House dust mites were most frequently encountered in dust from bedding samples followed by kitchen samples, in which Tyrophagus putrescentiae, a storage mite species, was the most frequently found species. The highest mite density and allergen concentration were shown in autumn. It would be useful if the standard method for the investigation of dust mite density is established for the field survey. Measuring the number of mites per unit area (1 m2) collected in a given time (2 minutes) using a house-hold vacuum cleaners equiped with nonwovens is suggested here as an objective and convenient method for the survey on house dust mites. Mites can be detected directly from fine dust samples using a stereomicroscope or isolated by technique utilizing saturated salt water. In the future, more field surveys and laboratory studies are necessary for the investigation on the relationship between house dust mites in homes and various allergic diseases.
Acaridae ; Allergens ; Data Collection ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dust ; Ecology ; Family Characteristics ; Korea ; Mites ; Pyroglyphidae ; Vacuum ; Water

BACKGROUND: Tyrophagus putrescentiae is one of the storage mites found not only within storehouses but also in the house dust, and is known as the third most common mite following Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae in houses in Korea. There has been few reports on its sensitization rate in this country. OBJECT: The aim of this study was to evaluate its sensitization rate and clinical features of T. putrescentiae sensitized patients with allergic diseases in Daejeon area. METHODS: Skin prick tests with 33 common inhalant allergens including Tetranychus urticae and T. putrescentiae were done in 308 allergy patients who had visited Allergy Clinic of Eulji University Hospital from June, 2001 to April, 2002, and their clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 193(62.7%) out of 308 patients showed positive responses to more than one allergen. The prevalence of sensitization was highest for mites(51.9%) followed by cockroach (25.0%), weeds pollens(17.5%), animal epithelium(16.9%), fungi(16.2%), grasses pollens(15.6%) and tree pollens(14.6%). Among mites, sensitization rate to T. urticae was highest as 128 (41.6%), followed by D. farinae, 96(31.2%), T. putrescentiae, 95(30.8%), and D. pteronyssinus, 92(29.9%). Among positive responders to mites, eight patients with perennial asthma were sensitized to T. putrescentiae only. Sensitization to D. farinae and animal epithelium were more prevalent in Deajeon city compared to surrounding rural areas (for D. farinae, 72/203(35.5%) vs. 24/105(22.9%) respectively. P=.024, and for animal epithelium, 42/203(20.7%) vs. 10/105 (9.5%) respectively. P=.013). CONCLUSION: Tyrophagus putrescentiae was one of the most common inhalant allergens as well as house dust mite and two spotted spider mite in patients visiting an Allergy Clinic in Daejeon area. Further study will be needed to elucidate the clinical significance of T. putres-centiae -sensitized patients.
Acaridae ; Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Cockroaches ; Daejeon ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dust ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Korea ; Mites ; Poaceae ; Prevalence ; Pyroglyphidae ; Skin ; Tetranychidae

BACKGROUND: Baker's asthma is a common occupational respiratory disease and its prevalence rate varies from 15% to 30% of the workers in foreign countries. It has been reported mainly in bakers and millers due to sensitization to wheat, rye, storage mites, and several enzymes etc. But, the main allergen of baker's asthma is wheat. As there is an increase of consumption of food made of wheat due to westernized life style, it is expected that the prevalence of baker's asthma is increasing or already increased. But, there has been no study to investigate the prevalence of baker's asthma in this country. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of baker's asthma due to wheat sensitization in baking factory workers. METHOD: A total of 147 bakers (age 32.6+/-8.2 years, male 63%) were enrolled in this study. They responded to a modified ISSAC questionnaire and underwent methacholine bronchial challenge test, and skin prick test with common inhalant allergens and work-related allergens including commercial wheat antigen, bread flour, and cake flour antigen prepared in our laboratory. And specific bronchial challenge test with wheat extract was performed to volunteers. RESULTS: The atopic prevalence based on skin prick test was 43% (63/147), and wheat sensitization rate (including commercial wheat, bread flour and cake flour antigen) was 15% (22/147). The risk factors for wheat sensitization were atopy, long duration occupied in baking process, and current or past work history in mixing and/or measuring part where wheat flour exposure was relatively high (p<0.05). Wheat sensitization was highly associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, work related symptoms such as asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis (p<0.05) respectively. The prevalence of current asthma based on questionnaire and methacholine bronchial challenge test was 8% (11/147 bakers). Of these, 8 bakers were sensitized to wheat antigen, and all of them except one baker complained of work-related symptoms. These seven bakers were highly suspected of baker's asthma due to wheat sensitization. Two of these seven bakers showed early asthmatic response on specific broncho-provocation test. CONCLUSION: Wheat sensitization rate was 15%, The prevalence of baker's asthma due to wheat sensitization was 5% in baking factory workers and it's risk factors were atopy, long duration occupied in baking process, and current or past work history in mixing and/or measuring part of baking process.
Acaridae ; Allergens ; Asthma* ; Bread ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Conjunctivitis ; Dermatitis ; Flour ; Humans ; Life Style ; Male ; Methacholine Chloride ; Prevalence* ; Rhinitis ; Risk Factors ; Secale ; Skin ; Triticum* ; Volunteers ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Storage mites are believed one of the most important allergens in farmers and rural regions. Tyrophagus putrescentiae, belonging to storage mites, is found not only within storehouses but also in the house dust, and the third most common mites following Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in house dust in Korea. The sensitization rate to Tyrophagus putrescentiae was reported as high as that of house dust mite in patients visiting the allergy clinic in large cities in Korea. We experienced a 69-year-old man who had suffered from dyspnea, wheezing, and coughing for 10 years. He retired from the teaching profession, and had lived in a large city, Deajeon. The skin prick test showed a positive reaction to Tyrophagus putrescentiae and negative reactions to house dust mites. The bronchial challenge test with Tyrophagus putrescentiae showed late asthmatic reaction. We confirmed a Tyrophagus putrescentiae-induced asthma in non occupational setting.
Acaridae ; Aged ; Allergens ; Asthma* ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Cough ; Daejeon ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dust ; Dyspnea ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Korea ; Mites ; Pyroglyphidae ; Respiratory Sounds ; Skin

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Storage mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) and Acarus siro (AS), known as the major causative allergens to people who deal with stored foods and grains, may occur more frequently in house dust than expected. During the recent 6 months, positive reactions to TP and AS were observed as frequently as those to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) in patients with allergic rhinitis in Pusan. The purpose of this study was to identify allergenic components within TP and AS, and evaluate the cross reactivity with DP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using extracts of DP, TP and AS, prepared after dialysis and lyophilization, allergenic components were identified using SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Cross reactivity among them were evaluated by inhibition tests using pharmacia CAP system. RESULTS: The protein components of DP, TP and AS, showed different patterns in SDS-PAGE. Molecular weight of major IgE binding components of TP were 17 kD, 25 kD and 67 kD, and those of AS were 18 kD, 19 kD, 25 kD and 27 kD. TP- or AS-specific IgE was partially inhibited by DP extract; however, DP-specific IgE was not significantly inhibited either by TP or AS extract. Significant inhibition were noted between TP and AS. CONCLUSION: TP and AS may share common allergens with DP. However, sensitization to TP or AS was also suspected in some cases. The percentage of Acaridae family in Pusan was 12% of total mites. Therefore, storage mites should be considered as causative allergens and included in allergy test battery.
Acaridae ; Allergens ; Blotting, Western ; Busan ; Cereals ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dialysis ; Dust ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Freeze Drying ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Mites* ; Molecular Weight ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis*

BACKGROUND: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tp) is a source of aeroallergen that causes allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To describe an acute and chronic murine model of allergic asthma with Tp extract with no systemic sensitization and no use of adjuvant. METHODS: Mites from dust sample were cultured and a raw extract was produced. Female BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks) were challenged intranasally with Tp extract or Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline, for 10 consecutive days (acute protocol) or for 6 weeks (chronic protocol). Twenty-four hours after the last intranasal challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was performed for total and differential cells count, cytokine analysis, and eosinophil peroxidase activity. Lung tissue was also removed for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: Tp extract has shown a significant increase in total cells count from BALF as well as an increase in absolute eosinophils count, eosinophil peroxidase activity, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels, in both acute and chronic protocols. Peribronchovascular infiltrate, goblet cells hyperplasia and collagen deposition were shown in the airways of acute and chronic Tp-exposed mice. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the intranasal exposure to Tp extract, with no systemic sensitization and no use of adjuvants, induces a robust allergic inflammation in the lungs of mice, in both acute and chronic models. Our Tp extract seems to be a potent allergen extract which may be used in asthma model studies.
Acaridae ; Animals ; Asthma ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Collagen ; Dust ; Eosinophil Peroxidase ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Goblet Cells ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Hypersensitivity ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukins ; Lung ; Mice ; Mites

Acarid mites were isolated from samples collected in Seoul during the period of October 1975 to August 1978. Samples consisted of stored foods such as rice, flour, sugar, dried fishes, dusts of houses and freight offices. The identified mites were classified into 12 species belonging to 12 genera, 5 families as following lists, of which 4 species (*) are newly recorded in Korea. Family Acaridae Ewing and Nesbitt, 1942: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank, 1781). Acarus siro Linnaeus, 1758. Aleuroglyphus ovatus* Troupeau, 1879. Suidasia nesbitti Hughes, 1948. Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Fumouze and Robin, 1868). Caloglyphus berlesei (Michael, 1903). Lardoglyphus konoi (Sasa and Asanuma, 1951). Family Carpoglyphidae Oudemans, 1972: Carpoglyphus lactis Linnaeus, 1927. Family Glyphagidae Berlese, 1887: Glycyphagus destructor (Schrank, 1781). Gohieria fusca* (Oudemans, 1903). Family Chortoglyphidae Berlese, 1897: Chortoglyphus arcuatus* (Troupeau, 1879). Family Pyroglyphidae Cunliffe, 1958: Euroglyphus maynei* (Cooremant 1950).
parasitology-arthropoda-acarid ; mite ; Acaridae ; epidemiology ; Tyrophagus putrescentiae ; Acarus siro ; Aleuroglyphus ovatus ; Suidasia nesbitti ; Rhizoglyphus echinopus ; Caloglyphus berlesei ; Lardoglyphus konoi ; Carpoglyphus lactis ; Glycyphagus destructor ; Gohieria fusca ; Chortoglyphus arcuatus ; Euroglyphus maynei

There are two groups of dust mites, house dust mites (HDMs) and storage mites (SMs), that have been identified in the household environment. Both could induce airway inflammation through activation of innate and adaptive immunity and lead to asthma. In order to monitor environmental dust mite infestation, different methods can be used to detect their presence, such as the use of floating methods, monoclonal antibodies, and nanostructured biosensor. SM could be identified in the storage room, mainly in contaminated food such as mushrooms and corn starch. In HDM-sensitive subjects and mice that were challenged with HDM or SM after sensitization, these mites could up-regulate IgE levels, T helper 2 associated cytokine production and airway hypersensitivity. Different age groups of subjects were sensitized by different species of mites. More subjects above 70 years were sensitized by SM and more subjects below the age of 40 years were sensitized to HDM. Different allergenic components of dust mite extracts, such as Der p 1, Der p 2, could activate innate immunity through activating pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and then lead to allergic inflammation. The best modality to treat HDM allergy is immunomodulation through Treg cells and IgA production. In the recent years, many studies indicated probiotics could increase IgA secretion and the number of Treg cells. However, some studies conducted in adults have contradictory effects in reducing allergic symptoms. Therefore, probiotics confer inconclusive benefits on the allergic symptoms.
Acaridae ; Adaptive Immunity ; Adult ; Agaricales ; Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Asthma ; Biosensing Techniques ; Dust ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunity, Innate ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunomodulation ; Inflammation ; Mice ; Mite Infestations ; Mites ; Probiotics ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Starch ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; Zea mays