VOLUME 62 : 2014

Background. Suidasia pontifica (Sp) mites are medically significant because of their ability to produce potent allergens causing serious diseases like allergic asthma, dermatitis and rhinitis. Its clinical relevance in the Filipino population has never been characterized.

Methods. The immunoglobulin E-binding activity of allergens from the house dust mite (HDM) Sp was determined in 258 allergic cases and 379 non-atopic Filipino subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlation between Sp-specific IgE and total IgE concentration was determined. Likewise, multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect of Sp-specific IgE to the total IgE concentration of allergic patients.

Results. Sensitization to Sp allergens was demonstrated in 39% (100/258) of Filipino allergic cases tested. A significant correlation was observed between total IgE and Sp-specific IgE level among allergic patients (p = 0.038). In addition, an increase in Sp-specific IgE is expected to increase the total IgE concentration as well (p = 0.000). Sp-specific IgE is demonstrated as an independent risk factor for the development of allergic diseases (OR = 3.12, CI = 2.16–5.41).

Conclusion. The results obtained in this study suggest that the HDM species Sp is an important source of allergens that trigger sensitization in various allergic cases. Thus, the incorporation of Sp allergens in the panel of diagnostic allergens for HDM allergy and allergic rhinitis is highly recommended.

Keywords: allergy, asthma, total IgE, HDM-specific IgE