Microarrayed Allergen Molecules Distinguish IgE Sensitisation to Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

House dust mites (HDMs) are the most important respiratory allergen sources. In temperate regions, the genus Dermatophagoides predominates, whereas in sub-tropical and tropical regions, the genus Blomia is also of high importance. There is only limited IgE cross-reactivity between Dermatophagoides and Blomia.

To produce a chip containing purified microarrayed Blomia tropicalis (Blo t) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens (Der p) capable of identifying patients with a genuine Blo t or Der p IgE sensitisation, co-sensitisation and/or cross-sensitisation.

Chips containing seven purified Blo t and thirteen Der p allergens were generated by microarray technology and tested for IgE and IgG reactivity in HDM-sensitised patients from Blo t-endemic (group 1: n = 115) and Blo t-non-endemic (group 2: n = 33) regions. IgE cross-reactivity was analysed by IgE inhibition studies.

IgE levels to Blo t 2, Blo t 5, Blo t 10, Blo t 12 and Blo t 21 were significantly higher in HDM-sensitised patients from Blo t-endemic as compared to patients from Blo t-non-endemic regions, whereas the opposite was observed for IgE to Der p 2 and Der p 21 in patients from Blo t-non-endemic regions. An algorithm based on IgE reactivity profiles and allergen-specific IgE levels capable of discriminating genuine sensitisation to Blo t and Der p or co-sensitisation was established. In HDM-sensitised patients from Blo t-endemic regions, each of the aforementioned sensitisation profiles was observed, whereas in HDM-sensitised patients from Blo t-non-endemic regions, only genuine sensitisations to Der p and co-sensitisations to Blo t and Der p were observed.

The algorithm based on microarrayed Blo t and Der p allergens for discrimination of Blo t and Der p sensitisation may support prescription of allergen-specific immunotherapy. At minimum, it will be helpful in understanding disease aetiology and for fine resolution mapping of allergic reactivities in HDM sensitisation.