Hazardous biochemical agents in animal husbandry indoor environments are known to promote the occurrence of various illnesses among workers and animals. The relationship between endotoxin levels in dust collected from chicken farms and various immunological markers was investigated. Peripheral blood was obtained from 20 broiler chickens and 20 laying hens from four different chicken farms in Korea. Concentrations of total or respirable dust in the inside the chicken farm buildings were measured using a polyvinyl chloride membrane filter and mini volume sampler. Endotoxin levels in the dust were determined by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic method. Interferon-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with concanavalin A was significantly lower in broilers or layers from the farms with higher endotoxin concentrations than the chickens from the farms with lower endotoxin levels. An opposite pattern was observed for plasma cortisol concentrations with higher cortisol levels found in chickens from the farms with higher endotoxin levels. When peripheral lymphocytes were examined, the percentage of CD3-Ia+ B cells was lower in layers from farms with higher endotoxin levels than those from locations with lower endotoxin levels. Overall, these results suggest a probable negative association between dust endotoxin levels and cell-mediated immunity in chickens.
Animal Husbandry ; Animals ; Biomarkers/blood ; Chickens/*immunology ; Dust/*analysis ; Endotoxins/*analysis ; *Housing, Animal ; *Immunity, Cellular

INTRODUCTIONHealthy individuals may be exposed and sensitised to allergens, and have a positive response to a skin prick test despite being asymptomatic. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of atopic sensitisation and identify the reactivity of healthy volunteers to common aeroallergens.

METHODSHealthy volunteers with no known allergic symptoms were recruited in this study. All volunteers were scheduled to undergo a skin prick test with 16 common aeroallergens that were previously identified among atopic patients.

RESULTSA total of 100 volunteers (mean age 28 years) were enrolled in this study. 42 volunteers had positive skin prick tests for at least one allergen. The median number of sensitised allergen was 2 (range 1-7). Volunteers with positive skin tests (n = 42) were younger than those with negative skin tests (n = 58) (mean age 25.5 vs. 29.2 years; p < 0.05). The group with positive skin tests also had a higher proportion of males (57.1% vs. 31.0%; p < 0.01) and first-degree relatives with a history of atopic diseases (31.0% vs. 10.3%; p < 0.05). The most common sensitised allergens in these healthy asymptomatic volunteers were mite (n = 33), house dust (n = 23) and American cockroach (n = 20).

CONCLUSIONIn this study, up to 42% of healthy volunteers, particularly those with a family history of atopy, were sensitised to allergens. Reactivity of the skin test without allergic symptoms, however, does not indicate allergic disease. Therefore, the skin test should only be indicated in atopic symptomatic individuals.

Adult ; Allergens ; chemistry ; Animals ; Cockroaches ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Dust ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mites ; Skin Tests ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEThe prevalence of allergic asthma has been rising continually which is correlated with the increasingly closed living environment. House dust mites are the major sources of indoor aeroallergens which induce asthma in sensitized people. To monitor the seasonal variation of house dust mite (HDM)-allergens exposure level in the asthmatic children, which was evaluated to show its correlation with the level of asthma control, HDM allergic sensitization and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, and to provide basic data for HDM environmental control.

METHODA total of 48 HDM-allergic asthmatic children were enrolled from the asthma clinic in the hospital from March 2011 to January 2012 (boys 34 and girls 14, aging from 3 to 14 years, mean age 8 years and 4 months) in the present study. Dust samples from mattresses, pillows, bedroom floor, living room floor and sofas were collected in each season within one year in the household of all the enrolled patients. The concentrations of Der p 1 and Der f 1 were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To record the Asthma Control Test (ACT) score or Children Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) score for each patient and to collect the data of doctor monitoring asthma control level each time when the patient was clinic visited. The concentration and its classification of the serum specific IgE to HDM was determined by fluoroenzyme-immunometric assay.

RESULTThe average concentration of Der f 1 of all dust samples was significantly higher than that of Der p 1 (0.13 µg/g vs 0.02 µg/g, P < 0.05). The concentrations of Der f 1 from mattresses, pillows and sofas dust samples were significantly higher than those from bedroom floor and living room floor dust samples (0.69 µg/g, 0.42 µg/g and 0.22 µg/g vs 0.07 µg/g and 0.07 µg/g, P < 0.05). The Der f 1 exposure level from mattress dusts in summer but no others was negatively correlated with asthma control level (r = -0.318, P = 0.036). The Der f 1 exposure level from any area dusts in summer and the Der p 1 exposure level from pillows dusts in autumn was negatively correlated with ACT/C-ACT score respectively. The Der f 1 from mattress dusts in winter was positively correlated with classification of sIgE to Der f 1. The Der p 1 exposure level from most areas in each season was positively correlated with classification of sIgE to Der f 1 and Der P 1.

CONCLUSIONDer f 1 was the predominant mite allergen in household dust and mainly came from mattresses, pillows and sofas. The role of the HDM allergen exposure level on the asthma control level and HDM allergic sensitization for the asthmatic children were depended on its area, season and HDM species, which suggested that the future assessment of clinical effect by the HDM environmental control should consider these factors.

Adolescent ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; adverse effects ; Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides ; analysis ; Asthma ; diagnosis ; etiology ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dust ; Environmental Exposure ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Male ; Pyroglyphidae ; immunology ; Risk Factors ; Seasons

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mite allergen specific immunotherapy (SIT) in treating children with allergic asthma. METHOD: A total of 136 patients with mite allergy were recruited into the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: SIT group (n = 66) and ST (symptomatic therapy) group (n = 70). They were investigated of SIT with standardized allergen vaccine or no SIT only symptomatic therapy respectively. Therapeutic evaluation index includes: asthma symptoms score, drug score, skin prick test, pulmonary function, serum specificity IgE (sIgE) and the new sensitization was also assessed. Local and systemic adverse reactions were used to evaluate the clinical safety. RESULT: Clinical symptom scores, drug scores, Lung function, and skin test result all improved significantly after the treatment with SIT compared to ST group (P < 0.01). SIT groups do not have new sensitization and no fatal systemic reactions occurred. CONCLUSION The standardized dust mite allergen specific immunotherapy is efficacious and safe to Children with allergic asthma . SIT can reduce house dust mites skin sensitivity and prevent new allergen appeared.
Adolescent ; Allergens ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides ; therapeutic use ; Asthma ; immunology ; therapy ; Child ; Dust ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; immunology ; therapy ; Immunotherapy ; methods ; Male ; Pyroglyphidae ; immunology ; Safety ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Skin Tests ; Vaccines ; therapeutic use

BACKGROUNDHaikou locates in tropical island with unique mite propagation. The aim of this stuy is to determine mite allergens levels in Haikou, and to investigate the prevalence of mite specific IgE-sensitization and IgE cross-reactivity between house dust mites.

METHODSAllergen and antigen concentrations against six mite species were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Specific IgE concentrations and cross-inhibitions were measured with ADVIA Centaur(®).

RESULTSAllergen or antigen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1), Blomia tropicalis (Blo t) and Tyrophagus putrescentia (Tyr p) were detected in dust samples. Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 1), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Lep d 2), and Acarus siro (Aca s) were found in very few samples. Specific IgE tests showed high prevalence of sensitizations against all tested mites with high IgE levels to Der p, Der f, and Blo t. Storage mites, Blo t, Tyr p, Lep d, and Aca s, could inhibit Der p from 0 to 50%. Storage mites could inhibit Der f between 30% and 100%. Der p IgE could be inhibited by Der f with up to 90%, and vice versa. Der p could inhibit Blo t from 40% to 80%. Blo t was able to fully inhibit IgE binding to Lep d, Tyr p, and Aca s compared to partial inhibition by Der p.

CONCLUSIONSDer p is the dominating mite and has the highest specific IgE prevalence among asthmatic children. Blo t represents an important source of storage mite sensitization and some patients may be independently sensitized to both Der p and Blo t. High prevalence of sensitization to Der f may be due to IgE-mediated cross-reactivity with Der p and Blo t.

Adolescent ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; Allergens ; analysis ; Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides ; analysis ; Arthropod Proteins ; analysis ; Asthma ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Cross Reactions ; Cysteine Endopeptidases ; analysis ; Dust ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; immunology ; Mites ; immunology

Intradermal tests were performed on 58 dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis from 2004~2008 at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Konkuk University, Korea. To compare the allergen distribution observed in the present investigation to the results from other studies conducted in Korea and elsewhere, the allergens were grouped according to their kinds. There was no significant difference in gender distribution among the dogs. The most common breeds among the 58 dogs were Maltese (n = 11) and Shih-tzu (n = 11). The average age was 4.8 years. The most frequently produced a positive reaction on the intradermal tests was mold (67.3%) followed by house dust (54.5%) and house dust mites (49.1%). The present study found a low distribution of dogs allergic to various outdoor allergens compared to studies performed in other countries; this may reflect differences in living conditions for dogs living in Korea.
Allergens/classification/*immunology ; Animals ; Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology/immunology/*veterinary ; Dog Diseases/epidemiology/*immunology ; Dogs ; Dust/*immunology ; Female ; Fungi/*immunology ; Intradermal Tests/veterinary ; Male ; Pedigree ; Prevalence ; Pyroglyphidae/*immunology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology

PURPOSE: The effects of air cleaners on the removal of airborne indoor allergens, especially house dust mites (HDM), are still controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of an air cleaner with an electrostatic filter on the removal of airborne mite allergens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dried HDM culture medium that contained mite body particles and excretions was dispersed in a chamber equipped with an electrostatic air cleaner. The number of airborne particles was recorded continuously by a dust spectrometer for 60 minutes. Airborne particles in the chamber were collected on a sampling filter at a flow rate of 10 L/min and the Der f 1 concentration in the filter extracts was measured by two-site ELISA. RESULTS: The air cleaner efficiently removed airborne HDM particles. The air cleaner removed airborne HDM particles (size 2-12.5 microm) 11.4 +/- 2.9 fold (cleaner operating for 15 minutes), 5.4 +/- 0.7 fold (cleaner operating for 30 minutes), and 2.4 +/- 0.2 fold (cleaner operating for 60 minutes) more than the removal of HDM particles by natural settle down. Removal kinetics differed according to the particle size of the airborne particles. The air cleaner decreased the concentration of Der f 1 in the extraction of airborne particles collected on the air sampling filter by 60.3%. CONCLUSION: The electrostatic air cleaner can remove airborne HDM allergens and may be useful as a supplementary environmental control tool for HDM sensitized respiratory allergic patients.
Air Pollution, Indoor/*analysis ; Allergens/analysis ; Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides/*analysis/*immunology ; Culture Media/metabolism ; Dust/analysis/immunology ; Environment ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods ; Filtration ; Humans ; Kinetics ; Mites ; Particle Size ; Static Electricity

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of allergic factors in chronic sinusitis. METHOD: Skin prick test and specific serum IgE of 194 patients with chronic sinusitis were performed in our department before endoscopic sinus surgery from October, 2007 to October, 2008, and correlation between test results and clinical classification was analyzed retrospectively. RESULT: (1) Result of skin prick test was analyzed. Positive rate of house dust was 20. 6% (40/194), of dust mites 16.0% (30/194), of house dust mites 14.9% (29/194). (2) Positive rate of allergic specific serum IgE and skin prick test in experimental group was compared with that of control group. Positive rate of house dust mites, dust mites and house dust between groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). (3) Clinical classification of chronic sinusitis had a negative correlation with the specific serum IgE (house dust mites ,house dust and dust mites) about experimental group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Allergic factors was associated with etiopathogenesis and course of disease of chronic sinusitis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Allergens ; analysis ; Animals ; Asthma ; etiology ; immunology ; Chronic Disease ; Dust ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Pyroglyphidae ; immunology ; Retrospective Studies ; Sinusitis ; etiology ; immunology ; Skin Tests ; Young Adult

House dust mites produce inhalant allergens of importance to allergic patients. We measured the major group 1 allergens, Der p 1 and Der f 1, from the house dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farina, respectively in 100 randomly selected domestic homes from Cheonan, Korea. Dust samples were collected by vacuuming from the living room floor and 1 mattress in each home. Der p 1 and Der f 1 were measured by double monoclonal ELISA. Der p 1 levels were very low, with geometric mean levels for floors and mattresses being 0.11 microgram/g (range: 0.01-4.05) and 0.14 microgram/g (range: 0.01-30.0), respectively. Corresponding levels of Der f 1 were higher, 7.46 microgram/g (range: 0.01-262.9) and 10.2 microgram/g (range: 0.01-230.9) for floors and mattresses, respectively. D. farinae appears to be the dominant house dust mite in Cheonan.
Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides/immunology/*isolation & purification ; Bedding and Linens ; Dust/analysis ; Floors and Floorcoverings ; Housing ; Humans ; Korea ; Pyroglyphidae/*immunology

Asthma is commonly described as an atopic disease in childhood, but some cases of this disorder do not fit this description. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of atopy, asthma, and sensitization to house dust mites in children with allergic symptoms. This study was performed at the Severance Hospital of Yonsei University with patients who visited the allergy clinic for evaluation of nonspecific upper respiratory symptoms, typical symptoms of asthma, or a general health workup. The patients were divided into three age groups: 0-3 years (group 1), 4-7 years (group 2), and 8-12 years (group 3). Of the 1, 244 children examined, 844 (67.8%) were atopic and 400 (32.2%) were non-atopic. The frequency of atopy and asthma increased with age. Asthma was diagnosed in the same proportion (64%) of atopic and non-atopic children. As risk factors for asthma symptoms, the positive values of house dust mite (HDM) sensitivity were significantly increased in groups 1, 2, and 3 to 53.5%, 68.9%, and 80.2%, respectively. A significant difference between the percentage of asthmatics sensitized to HDM and that of asthmatics not sensitized to HDM was found only in group 3. In conclusion, asthma is related to atopy with increasing age, and house dust mite sensitization seems to be an important determinant of asthma in older children in Korea.
Risk Factors ; Retrospective Studies ; Mites/*immunology ; Male ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant ; Hypersensitivity/*complications ; Humans ; Female ; *Dust ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Asthma/*etiology ; Animals