Sensitization to the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor in wheat flour respiratory allergy.
Occupational allergy due to hypersensitivity to cereal flours is relatively common among bakers and grain-store workers. Storage mites can contaminate wheat flour and could be an important cause of allergic symptoms due to inhalation. Forty-three patients with criteria for allergic sensitization to wheat flour (skin tests, specific IgE to wheat flour and positive challenge tests) were included in a study to investigate the prevalence of cosensitization to Lepidoglyphus destructor (Ld). This mite was the predominant species in the wheat flour samples supplied by our patients. We found that 30% of the patients had IgE-mediated hypersensitivity of Ld. Of these, 23% did not have a relationship with any bakery or agriculture. We conclude that the prevalence of sensitization to Ld in patients sensitized to wheat flour is important.
Armentia
A
A
Division of Allergy and Pneumology, Rio Hortega Hospital, University of Valladolid, Spain.
Tapias
J
J
Barber
D
D
Martin
J
J
de la Fuente
R
R
Sanchez
P
P
Salcedo
G
G
Carreira
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D005260:Female; D005433:Flour / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D012882:Skin Tests
D000941:Antigens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E