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Mites living in hay: an important allergen source?
Allergy
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Barn dust extract (BDE) contains distinct allergens, likely from mites like Lepidoglyphus destructor and Acarus siro. These allergens cause hay-related allergy symptoms in both farmers and non-farmers.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Hay contact can trigger respiratory symptoms.
- Barn dust is a complex mixture containing various biological components.
- Mites are common inhabitants of hay and barn environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the allergens present in barn dust extract (BDE).
- To determine the correlation between BDE sensitization and hay-related symptoms.
- To identify the specific allergenic sources within barn dust.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick tests (SPT) and Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) were performed.
- Patients included farmers and non-farmers with hay-related symptoms.
- Barn dust extract (BDE) was prepared from hay remnants and analyzed microscopically.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one out of 73 patients showed positive RAST or SPT to BDE.
- Microscopic analysis revealed significant mite presence (Lepidoglyphus destructor, Acarus siro) in BDE.
- Positive BDE results correlated well with patient case histories.
- No cross-reactivity was observed between BDE and other tested allergens (pollens, animal danders, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).
Conclusions:
- Barn dust extract (BDE) contains distinct allergens, primarily of mite origin.
- Mites, such as Lepidoglyphus destructor and Acarus siro, are significant allergens in BDE.
- BDE sensitization is a relevant factor in hay-related allergies.