BACKGROUND: The mite species Blomia tropicalis is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, and it is an important source of allergen in the city of Cartagena, Columbia. AIM: The study was designed to determine seasonal allergen levels of B. tropicalis in homes of patients with asthma and mite allergy. METHODS: Dust samples from mattresses and floors in 20 homes were collected on a monthly basis for 1 year. Outdoor temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall were recorded. RAST inhibition was performed on extracts of dust samples. Allergen levels were compared with variations in climate. RESULTS: B. tropicalis allergens were detected in all mattress samples. More than 50% RAST inhibition was detected in 30% of mattress samples and in 4.3% of floor samples, reflecting a high concentration of allergen. Significant correlations were only found between allergen levels and absolute humidity. CONCLUSION: Levels of B. tropicalis allergen fluctuated minimally in Cartagena, Colombia.
BACKGROUND: The mite species Blomia tropicalis is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, and it is an important source of allergen in the city of Cartagena, Columbia. AIM: The study was designed to determine seasonal allergen levels of B. tropicalis in homes of patients with asthma and mite allergy. METHODS: Dust samples from mattresses and floors in 20 homes were collected on a monthly basis for 1 year. Outdoor temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall were recorded. RAST inhibition was performed on extracts of dust samples. Allergen levels were compared with variations in climate. RESULTS:B. tropicalis allergens were detected in all mattress samples. More than 50% RAST inhibition was detected in 30% of mattress samples and in 4.3% of floor samples, reflecting a high concentration of allergen. Significant correlations were only found between allergen levels and absolute humidity. CONCLUSION: Levels of B. tropicalis allergen fluctuated minimally in Cartagena, Colombia.
Authors: Luis Caraballo; Josefina Zakzuk; Bee Wah Lee; Nathalie Acevedo; Jian Yi Soh; Mario Sánchez-Borges; Elham Hossny; Elizabeth García; Nelson Rosario; Ignacio Ansotegui; Leonardo Puerta; Jorge Sánchez; Victoria Cardona Journal: World Allergy Organ J Date: 2016-06-27 Impact factor: 4.084
Authors: N Acevedo; D Mercado; C Vergara; J Sánchez; M W Kennedy; S Jiménez; A M Fernández; M Gutiérrez; L Puerta; L Caraballo Journal: Clin Exp Immunol Date: 2009-08 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: Teri A Manolio; Kathleen C Barnes; Terri H Beaty; Paul N Levett; Raana P Naidu; Alexander F Wilson Journal: Hum Genet Date: 2003-08-20 Impact factor: 4.132
Authors: Yen Leong Chua; Ka Hang Liong; Chiung-Hui Huang; Hok Sum Wong; Qian Zhou; Say Siong Ler; Yafang Tang; Chin Pei Low; Hui Yu Koh; I-Chun Kuo; Yongliang Zhang; W S Fred Wong; Hong Yong Peh; Hwee Ying Lim; Moyar Qing Ge; Angela Haczku; Veronique Angeli; Paul A MacAry; Kaw Yan Chua; David M Kemeny Journal: J Immunol Date: 2016-10-12 Impact factor: 5.422