BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergy among Surabaya school children is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of the common allergic sensitization and allergic diseases among school children and undergraduate students in suburban of Surabaya by epidemiologic data collection. METHODS: A multistage simple random sampling was done to select 5 primary schools, 8 secondary schools (4 of junior high schools and senior high schools, respectively), and 1 university from 5 districts in Surabaya city. Out of 550 invited respondents, 499 (128 primary school, 221 secondary school, and 150 undergraduate) respondents gave their consent. A complete personal history, allergic symptoms, environmental exposure of common allergens was obtained from interview and the physical examinations were performed. Skin prick test (SPT) was done using 45 different allergen extracts. Total serum IgE and specific IgE radioallergosorbent test levels were measured for respondents with allergic manifestations. RESULTS: There was an increasing SPT positivity among study respondents, from primary school, secondary school, to undergraduate students (21.90%, 28.95%, to 45.30% respectively). Cockroach (42.85%) and fungi/mold spore (42.85%) were the most common allergens in primary school children. House dust mites was the most common allergen in secondary school (63.16%) and undergraduate students (58.82%). Urticaria and rhinitis were the commonest allergic diseases manifestation. History of atopy was positive in 60.79% of the allergic respondents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of allergic sensitization among school children and undergraduate students in Surabaya suburb areas were increased compared to previous estimates in 1998. While house dust mites are known as important allergens, surprisingly cockroach was the common allergen among the younger school children.
Allergens ; Child ; Cockroaches ; Data Collection ; Developed Countries ; Environmental Exposure ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Indonesia ; Physical Examination ; Prevalence ; Pyroglyphidae ; Radioallergosorbent Test ; Rhinitis ; Skin ; Spores ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urticaria

The contamination of aflatoxin B_1,B_2,G_1,G_2,M_1 and M_2 in Eupolyphaga Steleophaga was determined by immunoaffinity column clean-up and HPLC-FLD with post-column photochemical derivatization. Chromatographic separations were carried out using a Cloversil C_(18) column( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) that were eluted in isocratic with methanol-acetonitrile-water( 20 ∶ 20 ∶ 60) as the mobile phase. The excitation wavelength and the emission wavelength of fluorescence detector were maintained at 360 nm and 450 nm,respectively. The flow rate was 0. 8 m L·min~(-1),and the column temperature was 30 ℃ ． The sample was prepared using the immunoaffinity column,then the recovery was measured with 75. 47%-101. 8% with RSD values lower than 6. 7%. A total of 20 batches of Eupolyphaga Steleophaga samples were assayed. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2015 edition,part 1),the aflatoxin B_1 limit should be less than 5 μg·kg~(-1),and the sum of aflatoxins( AFB_1,AFB2,AFG_1,AFG_2) should be less than 10 μg·kg-1. Therefore,the positive rate of the 20 samples was 50. 0%,and 7 batches of samples exceeded the standard,and the over-standard rate was as high as 70. 0%. Among them,aflatoxins B_1,B_2,G_1,G_2,M_1,and M_2 were detected in three batches( SD-1,AH-1,AH-3),and aflatoxins B_1,B2,G1,G2,and M1 were detected in one batch( AH-7). The results showed that the newly developed method in this work is suitable for the simultaneous determination of six aflatoxins in Eupolyphaga Steleophaga,and also suggested that it should be of high values to take the contamination with aflatoxins into concerns.
Aflatoxins/analysis* ; Animals ; Chromatography, Affinity ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cockroaches/chemistry*

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and allergen sensitization of allergic rhinitis (AR) in preschool children. We assessed the relationship of AR, allergen sensitization, and air pollutants. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016 in Jincheon, skin prick testing and questionnaire survey were performed on 2,958 children. AR have diagnosed on the basis of current symptoms and sign of AR on the Korean International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and 1 or more proven allergen sensitization. RESULTS: A total of 2,052 children completed survey and skin prick testing, and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of AR symptom within last 12 months and AR were 27.0% and 10.9%, respectively. During study, both prevalences were increased from 20.1% and 8.6%, respectively in 2012 to 29.1% and 12.8%, respectively in 2016. The total inhalant allergen sensitization rate was 32.6%. The most common inhalant allergen was Dermatophagoides farinae (23.1%), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (22.5%), tree pollens (5.3%), weed pollens (5.2%), fungi (4.7%), dog hair (4.5%) cat fur (3.6%), grass pollens (1.1%), and cockroach (0.8%). Although there was no difference tree or weed pollen sensitization, pollen seasonal prevalence of current AR symptoms is highest in spring (80%) versus autumn (52.3%). Seasonal PM10 (particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 µm in diameter) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide) levels were correlated with the prevalence of seasonal AR symptoms. Pollen seasonal current AR symptoms were significantly related to seasonal pollen sensitization, but not inhalant allergens including dust mites. CONCLUSION: There was a rapid increasing prevalence of AR in preschool children in the areas of urbanization and industrialization. Pollen seasonal current AR symptoms have a close relationship with PM10 and seasonal pollen sensitization.
Air Pollutants* ; Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Cats ; Child ; Child, Preschool* ; Cockroaches ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dogs ; Dust ; Fungi ; Hair ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Mites ; Poaceae ; Pollen ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis, Allergic* ; Seasons ; Skin ; Trees ; Urbanization

Bovine abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory disease complexes, caused by infectious agents, result in high and significant economic losses for the cattle industry. These pathogens are likely transmitted by various vectors and reservoirs including insects, birds, and rodents. However, experimental data supporting this possibility are scarce. We collected 117 samples and screened them for 44 bovine abortive, diarrheal, and respiratory disease complex pathogens by using Dembo polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is based on TaqMan real-time PCR. Fifty-seven samples were positive for at least one pathogen, including bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine enterovirus, Salmonella enterica ser. Dublin, Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, and Neospora caninum; some samples were positive for multiple pathogens. Bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine enterovirus were the most frequently detected pathogens, especially in flies, suggesting an important role of flies in the transmission of these viruses. Additionally, we detected the N. caninum genome from a cockroach sample for the first time. Our data suggest that insects (particularly flies), birds, and rodents are potential vectors and reservoirs of abortion, diarrhea, and respiratory infectious agents, and that they may transmit more than one pathogen at the same time.
Animals ; Birds ; Cattle ; Cockroaches ; Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral ; Diarrhea ; Diptera ; Disease Reservoirs ; Disease Vectors ; Enterovirus ; Enterovirus, Bovine ; Genome ; Insects ; Neospora ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rodentia ; Salmonella enterica ; Virulence Factors

PURPOSE: Cockroach exposure is a pivotal cause of asthma. Tight junctions are intercellular structures required for maintenance of the barrier function of the airway epithelium, which is impaired in this disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) digest extracellular matrix components and are involved in asthma pathogenesis: MMP1 is a collagenase with a direct influence on airway obstruction in asthmatics. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which German cockroach extract (GCE) induces MMP1 expression and whether MMP1 release alters cellular tight junctions in human airway epithelial cells (NCI-H292). MATERIALS AND METHODS: mRNA and protein levels were determined using real-time PCR and ELISA. Tight junction proteins were detected using immunofluorescence staining. Epithelial barrier function was measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). The binding of a transcription factor to DNA molecules was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, while the levels of tight junction proteins and phosphorylation were determined using Western blotting. RESULTS: GCE was shown to increase MMP1 expression, TEER, and tight junction degradation. Both an inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) of MMP1 significantly decreased GCE-induced tight junction disruption. Furthermore, transient transfection with ETS1 and SP1 siRNA, and anti-TLR2 antibody pretreatment prevented MMP1 expression and tight junction degradation. An extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor also blocked MMP1 release, ETS1/SP1 DNA binding, and tight junction alteration. CONCLUSION: GCE treatment increases MMP1 expression, leading to tight junction disruption, which is transcriptionally regulated and influenced by the ERK/MAPK pathway in airway epithelial cells. These findings may contribute to developing novel therapeutic strategies for airway diseases.
Airway Obstruction ; Asthma ; Blattellidae* ; Blotting, Western ; Cockroaches ; Collagenases ; DNA ; Electric Impedance ; Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epithelial Cells* ; Epithelium ; Extracellular Matrix ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans* ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1* ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Tight Junction Proteins ; Tight Junctions* ; Transcription Factors ; Transfection

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis has risen significantly over the last 2 decades. Allergic sensitization to aeroallergen is a major risk factor in developing the allergic disease. The prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization varies in different regions and countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of common aeroallergen sensitization and the atopic status among adult patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective study. The data were collected from medical records and database of the result of skin prick test of patients who had the allergic symptoms or chronic urticaria in adult allergy clinic, Ramathibodi hospital from January 2004 to December 2015. RESULTS: A total of 1,516 of patients (female, 1,118 [73.7%]) were enrolled. The mean ages of participants were 41.34 (standard deviation, ±16.5) years. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of patients were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 19.7%, 3.2%, and 9.2% with asthma, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria respectively. In the chronic urticaria group, 57.4% underwent the positive skin prick test to common aeroallergens. Mites were responsible for the most common inhaled allergen sensitization in this study as 50.1% of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 32% of Dermatophagoides farinae, and 31.5% of house dust. Cockroach was the second most common aeroallergen sensitization as 32.3% followed by grass pollen, Bermuda (21.1%) and timothy (13.6%). The animal dander, cat and dog, occupied 12.9 and 10% respectively. CONCLUSION: Mites were the most common cause of aeroallergen sensitization in all patients followed by cockroach, grass pollen, and animal dander. However, Bermuda sensitization has increased significantly in the last 6 years.
Adult ; Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Bermuda ; Cats ; Cockroaches ; Dander ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dogs ; Dust ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Medical Records ; Mites ; Poaceae ; Pollen ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Risk Factors ; Skin Tests ; Skin ; Thailand ; Urticaria

BACKGROUND: There is a large global variation in sensitization patterns to aeroallergens due to differences in climate, urbanization, and lifestyle. Knowledge of the most common inhalant allergens is important for appropriate prevention and management of allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide data on aeroallergen sensitization patterns and associated comorbid diseases of adult Filipinos with AR. METHODS: Medical records of adult Filipinos seen in an Otolaryngology-Allergy Clinic from January 2011 to 2016 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria used was presence of clinically defined AR and positive skin test to at least one aeroallergen in the test panel. Demographics, comorbid conditions, and results of skin prick test were determined. Standard descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-one adult patients were included in this study. Mean age was 38.8 years, and majority lived in an urban area (71.2%). Most patients exhibited polysensitization (97.4%). All exhibited sensitization to indoor and 86.9% to outdoor allergens. The most common indoor allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (97.4%), Dermatophagoides farinae, (95.8%), cockroach (80.1%), and molds (72.8%). Bermuda (67%), Johnson grass (58.7%), and Acacia (58.2%) were the most common outdoor allergens. Urticaria (18.8%), dermatitis (16.8%), and asthma (11.5%) were the most common associated comorbid disease. Twelve percent of patients had more than one associated comorbid disease. Asthma + urticaria followed by asthma + dermatitis were the most common co-morbid combinations. One patient had three comorbid diseases: asthma + urticaria + rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSION: Compared to earlier studies, aeroallergen sensitization patterns of Filipinos remain unchanged. This study also identifies for the first time, the associated comorbid diseases of AR in this population. Understanding these factors can guide treatment strategies to reduce disease burden.
Acacia ; Adult ; Allergens ; Asthma ; Bermuda ; Climate ; Cockroaches ; Demography ; Dermatitis ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Fungi ; Humans ; Life Style ; Medical Records ; Poaceae ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Skin ; Skin Tests ; Urbanization ; Urticaria

BACKGROUND: Asthma and allergic rhinitis are a global health burden. Inhalant allergens worsen the symptoms and clinical manifestations of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Skin prick test is the gold standard for diagnosing allergen sensitization but is associated with some limitations. In contrast, in vitro serum-specific immunoglobulin E (SSIgE) test is convenient and is not associated with an anaphylactic risk. OBJECTIVE: The present study compared the accuracy of the SSIgE test by using microfluidic array enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with that of the skin prick test for diagnosing inhalant allergen sensitization in patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. METHODS: This diagnostic study included patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Of these, 100 patients underwent the SSIgE test for diagnosing sensitization to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis), dog dander, cat dander, and cockroach allergen. All the patients also underwent the skin prick test for diagnosing allergen sensitization. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and likelihood ratio (LR) of the SSIgE test were evaluated for each allergen. RESULTS: Sensitivity of the SSIgE test for diagnosing house dust mite sensitization was 48%–77%, with the highest sensitivity (77%) observed for diagnosing D. farinae sensitization. Specificity of the SSIgE test for diagnosing house dust mite sensitization was 64%–95%, with the highest specificity (95%) observed for diagnosing B. tropicalis sensitization. Although the SSIgE test showed high specificity and LR+ for diagnosing cockroach allergen sensitization, it showed low sensitivity (12%). Moreover, the SSIgE test showed high specificity (89%) but low sensitivity (3%) for diagnosing dog dander sensitization and high specificity (88%) but low sensitivity (10%) for diagnosing cat dander sensitization. CONCLUSION: The SSIgE test using microfluidic array ELISA shows moderate accuracy for diagnosing house dust mite sensitization and low accuracy for diagnosing cockroach allergen and dog and cat dander sensitization.
Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Cats ; Cockroaches ; Dander ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Dogs ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Global Health ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; In Vitro Techniques ; Indonesia ; Microfluidics ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Skin ; Skin Tests

PURPOSE: Recent data indicate that sensitization to mold contributes to the severity and persistence of asthma. In this study, we investigated the relationships between sensitization to mold and lung function parameters in children with asthma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 551 asthmatic subjects. We selected subjects who met clinical diagnostic criteria of asthma. Their spirometry, methacholine challenge tests, and measurements of blood eosinophils, serum IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) results were included. Skin prick testing (SPT) results with 13 common aeroallergens in Korea including house dust mites, animal dander, pollen, cockroach and mold were reviewed. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their SPT results. Subjects who showed no positive result to any aeroallergen were designated as group 1 (non-sensitized). Group 2 represented subjects who were sensitized to aeroallergens other than mold (other allergen-sensitized) and group 3 included subjects who were sensitized to mold allergens (mold-sensitized). RESULTS: Among the 551 asthmatic subjects, 67 (12.2%) were sensitized to mold and 366 (66.4%) were sensitized to other aeroallergens. The log mean IgE levels were higher in groups 2 (5.96±1.14 IU/mL) and 3 (5.81±0.97 IU/mL) compared to group 1 (3.88±1.68 IU/mL). Blood eosinophils, ECP and FeNO concentrations were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3, but no significant difference was found between the 2 groups. The mean FEV1 value was significantly lower in group 3 (86.9±12.1%pred) than in groups 2 (92.0±14.8%pred) and 1 (93.4±15.4%pred). The log mean methacholine PC20 was significantly lower in group 3 (0.08±1.91 mg/mL) than in groups 2 (1.31±1.69 mg/mL) and 1 (2.29±1.66 mg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a differential association between mold and other aeroallergen sensitization, and severity of asthma. Sensitization to mold is associated with lower lung function and increased airway hyper-responsiveness in children with asthma. Mold sensitization could be an important factor determining asthma severity particularly airflow limitation in children.
Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma* ; Child* ; Cockroaches ; Dander ; Eosinophil Cationic Protein ; Eosinophils ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Korea ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Nitric Oxide ; Pollen ; Pyroglyphidae ; Respiratory Hypersensitivity ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Spirometry

PURPOSE: Inhalant allergen sensitization is one of the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases. However, the sensitization is determined by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Thus, testing panels of inhalant allergens may differ among geographical areas. Here we aimed to determine 10 common inhalant allergens in Korean adult patients with suspected respiratory allergies and to examine the variation between different geographical locations. METHODS: A total of 28,954 patient records were retrieved for retrospective analysis, from 12 referral allergy clinics located in 9 different areas. Inclusion criteria were Korean adults (≥18 years old) who underwent the inhalant allergen skin prick test for suspected history of respiratory allergy. The primary outcome was inhalant allergen skin prick response. Demographic and clinical information were also collected. Positive skin prick responses to allergens were defined as allergen-to-histamine wheal ratio ≥1. Based on skin test results, the most prevalent aeroallergens were determined. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of allergic sensitization was 45.3%. Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the most commonly sensitized allergens. Other common inhalant allergens were cat epithelium (8.1%), birch (7.7%), mugwort (6.9%), alder (6.7%), hazel (6.7%), beech (6.7%), oak (6.6%), and Tyrophagus putres (6.2%), in decreasing order frequency. These 10 inhalant allergens explained 90% of inhalant allergen sensitization in the study participants. However, distinct patterns of the 10 inhalant sensitization were observed in patients living in Chungnam and Jeju. American cockroach, Gernam cockroach, and Trichophyton metagrophytes were unique in Chungnam. Orchard, Japanese cedar, and Velvet were unique in Jeju. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis suggests a panel of 10 most common inhalant allergens in Korean adult patients with suspected respiratory allergies, which explained 90% of inhalant allergen sensitization. This panel can be utilized as a practical and convenient tool for primary practice and epidemiological surveys of respiratory allergic diseases.
Adult* ; Allergens ; Alnus ; Animals ; Artemisia ; Betula ; Cats ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Cockroaches ; Cryptomeria ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Epithelium ; Fagus ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Periplaneta ; Prevalence ; Referral and Consultation ; Retrospective Studies* ; Skin ; Skin Tests ; Trichophyton