Insect hemoglobins (Chi tI) of the diptera family Chironomidae are relevant environmental, occupational, and hobby-related allergens.
Six hundred and forty-two persons with hobby-related (n = 205), occupational (n = 85), or environmental contact (n = 352) to the midge and larval allergen Chi tI were studied. Frequencies of IgE-mediated sensitization in these selected populations were 36.1%, 24.7%, and 9.6% respectively. Occupationally sensitized subjects who had been heavily exposed showed higher levels of antibodies, were more frequently diagnosed as having bronchial asthma and less frequently as having conjunctivitis, and had a significantly shorter latency period when compared to environmentally exposed people or aquarists. Our results are evidence for a higher risk of sensitization and of bronchial asthma in highly exposed subjects.
Baur
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Berufsgenossenschaftliches Forschungsinstitut für Arbeitsmedizin (BGFA), Institut an der Ruhr-Universität-Bochum, Federal Republic of Germany.
Liebers
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D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002683:Chironomidae / Q000276:immunology*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test
D000485:Allergens; D000906:Antibodies; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006454:Hemoglobins