Spider mite allergy in apple-cultivating farmers: European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) may be important allergens in the development of work-related asthma and rhinitis symptoms
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and the Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
- 0Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and the Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Spider mites, including European red mite and two-spotted spider mite, are common allergens in apple farmers. These mites are linked to work-related respiratory issues like asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Area Of Science
- Allergy and Immunology
- Occupational Health
- Agricultural Science
Background
- Citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) identified as a key allergen for citrus farmers.
- Need to evaluate other spider mites as potential allergens.
Purpose Of The Study
- Assess type I hypersensitivity to European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae).
- Determine the link between spider mite hypersensitivity and respiratory problems in farmers.
Main Methods
- Cross-sectional survey of 725 apple farmers in Korea.
- Administered questionnaires and performed skin prick tests for 11 common inhalant allergens and 2 spider mite species.
Main Results
- European red mite (23.2%) and two-spotted spider mite (16.6%) were significant sensitizing allergens.
- 40.4% of farmers with work-related asthma showed positive skin responses to European red mite, significantly higher than controls.
- Work-related asthma prevalence was higher in farmers with positive spider mite skin responses.
Conclusions
- European red mite and two-spotted spider mite are prevalent sensitizing allergens in apple farmers.
- These spider mites are likely significant contributors to work-related respiratory symptoms in agricultural workers.
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