Can mite-specific IgE be used as a surrogate for mite exposure?
Several epidemiologic studies suggest that in mite-sensitive patients symptoms are dependent upon mite-exposure level. However, in clinical practice, it si not easy to measure major mite allergens. In contrast, assay of specific IgE antibodies can be done routinely. Thus, we wanted to compare, in a group of 40 mite-sensitive patients, the levels of mite-specific IgE (measured by RAST grade 0-6) and the level of mite group I allergen in mattresses (measured in micrograms/g house dust). The correlation coefficient between both variables was highly significant (P = 0.001). Subjects with a RAST grade of 3 or more had a 77% probability of being exposed to high (i.e., > 10 micrograms/g dust) mite allergen level. In contrast, subjects with RAST grades 0, 1, or 2 had a 77% probability of not being exposed to such high levels. Thus, measurement of serum mite-specific IgE level could be used in routine prediction of mite exposure.
De Lovinfosse
S
S
Département des Maladies Respiratoires, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France.
Charpin
D
D
Dornelas
A
A
Birnbaum
J
J
Vervloet
D
D
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D001513:Beds; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test
D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust; D007073:Immunoglobulin E