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IgE-mediated occupational allergy to a spider mite
Clinical Allergy
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Allergic reactions like rhinitis and urticaria can be caused by the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). This study confirms spider mites trigger specific IgE allergies in humans, distinct from other mite allergens.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Immunology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and contact urticaria are common conditions.
- Occupational exposures in greenhouses can lead to allergic sensitization.
- Mite allergens are a significant cause of respiratory and skin allergies.
Observation:
- Two greenhouse workers developed allergic symptoms attributed to the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae).
- Skin prick tests, Prausnitz-Küstner tests, and RAST demonstrated specific IgE-mediated allergy to spider mites.
- No allergic cross-reactivity was observed between spider mites and house dust mites.
Findings:
- Patients exhibited high levels of specific IgE antibodies against spider mite allergens (RAST score 4).
- Allergy was confirmed to be specific to the two-spotted spider mite, not to co-existing predator mites.
- Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition studies ruled out cross-reactivity with common house dust mite allergens.
Implications:
- This research identifies the two-spotted spider mite as a significant allergen capable of causing IgE-mediated allergic diseases in humans.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering environmental and occupational mite exposures in the diagnosis of allergic conditions.
- Further research into spider mite allergy may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.