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PubMed2005

Effects of nitrogen dioxide on allergic airway responses in subjects with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can enhance airway inflammation after allergen challenge in asthmatic subjects. METHODS: Fifteen house-dust-mite (HDM)-sensitive asthmatic subjects were exposed for 3 hours to filtered air or 0.4 ppm NO2, followed by inhalational challenge with HDM allergen. Markers of inflammation were measured in sputum at 6 hours and 26 hours after allergen challenge. RESULTS: After exposure to NO2, eosinophil concentration decreased significantly in the 6-hour postallergen sputum. No significant NO2-related difference was observed for other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, in most asthmatic individuals, multi-hour exposure to a high ambient concentration of NO2 does not enhance the inflammatory response to subsequent inhaled allergen as assessed by cell distribution in induced sputum. Because the decrease in airway eosinophils has been reported in previous animal studies, future research should be directed toward the mechanism of this effect.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A cohort study of indoor nitrogen dioxide and house dust mite exposure in asthmatic children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate dose-response relationships between asthma symptoms and indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and house dust mite allergen (HDM) in children. METHODS: Asthmatic children from 18 primary schools in Adelaide, Australia, kept a daily symptoms diary over 12 weeks. Home and classroom NO2 levels were measured repeatedly in winter 2000. HDM levels were obtained from beds. Lung function tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study period. RESULTS: Data on exposure and respiratory outcomes were gathered for 174 children. For school exposure, the estimated relative symptom rate (RR) for a 10-ppb increase in NO2 for difficulty breathing during the day was 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.15), at night 1.11 (95% CI = 1.05-1.18), and for chest tightness at night 1.12 (95% CI = 1.07-1.17). Significant symptom rate increases were also found for kitchen NO2 exposure. This was supported by a negative dose-response relationship between percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second and NO2 (-0.39%; 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.02) for kitchen exposure. Significant threshold effects using a 10-microg/g cutoff point for HDM exposure were established in the sensitized children for nighttime wheeze (RR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.49-8.77), daytime cough (RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.14-2.36), and daytime asthma attack (RR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.06-3.60). CONCLUSION: This study has established reliable risk estimates for exacerbations of asthma symptoms in children based on dose-response investigations of indoor NO2 and HDM.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Fibroblast growth factor-2 in remodeling of the developing basement membrane zone in the trachea of infant rhesus monkeys sensitized and challenged with allergen.

SUMMARY: Remodeling of the epithelial basement membrane zone (BMZ) involves increased deposition of collagen, resulting in thickening of the BMZ. The current study focuses on fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in the tracheal BMZ in house dust mite allergen (HDMA)-sensitized infant rhesus monkeys, challenged with HDMA at a time when the BMZ is undergoing active postnatal development. To detect structural changes in the BMZ, we measured collagens I, III, and V. To detect changes in the function of the BMZ, we measured immunoreactivity of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan, and FGF-2. We found significant thickening of the tracheal BMZ (p < 0.05) with each of these parameters. We also found that all HDMA tracheal samples expressed thin focal areas of the BMZ associated with leukocyte trafficking. These areas were depleted of perlecan and FGF-2; however, increased FGF-2 immunoreactivity was present in the adjacent basal cells. We conclude that basal cells and FGF-2 are involved with significant remodeling of the BMZ in the developing trachea of infant rhesus monkeys exposed to HDMA.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of Der f 2, a potent allergen derived from the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae).

Although a number of allergens have been identified and isolated, the underlying molecular basis for the potent immune response is poorly understood. House dust mites (Dermatophagoides sp.) are ubiquitous contributors to atopy in developed countries. The rhinitis, dermatitis and asthma associated with allergic reactions to these arthropods are frequently caused by relatively small (125-129 amino acids) mite proteins of unknown biological function. Der f 2, a major allergen from the mite D. farinae, has been recombinantly expressed, characterized and crystallized. The crystals belong to the tetragonal space group I4(1)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 95.2, c = 103.3 A. An essentially complete (97.2%) data set has been collected to 2.4 A at a synchrotron source. Attempts to solve the crystal structure of Der f 2 by molecular replacement using the NMR coordinates for either Der f 2 or Der p 2 (the homologous protein from D. pteronyssinus) failed, but preliminary searches using the crystalline Der p 2 atomic coordinates appear to be promising.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Seasonality in symptom severity influenced by temperature or grass pollen: results of a panel study in children with eczema.

Although seasonal variations are well known in many patients with eczema, no systematic population-based panel study evaluating seasonality and quantifying the influence of factors like climate and pollen on symptom variations has been conducted so far. Thirty-nine children with eczema, who had been identified in 1996 in a cross-sectional study on 1673 6-y-olds in Augsburg (Germany), participated in the study. Between March and September 1999, they daily recorded itch, extent, and possibly triggering factors on quantitative scales. Daily temperature, humidity, radiation, and pollen concentration were measured. Mixed linear models, taking the time series structure and confounding into account, were used for analysis. Seasonal patterns were significantly different between children: twenty-one had symptoms mainly in winter. They were affected by changes in outdoor temperature: itch was reduced by 22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 16%-27%) and extent by 65% (CI: 54%-72%) per 15 degrees C temperature increase. Eighteen children exhibited more symptoms in summer and especially during days with high grass-pollen exposure when itch was 16% higher (CI: 8%-24%) and extent 19% (CI: 2%-39%). This effect was stronger for children sensitized against pollen. Consideration of the individual type of eczema may help to arrange appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures.

Allergens↗
PubMed2006

Cutaneous hypersensitivity to Malassezia sympodialis and dust mite in adult atopic dermatitis with a textile pattern.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with predominantly head and neck involvement react to patch tests of the yeast Malassezia sympodialis (Ms). Protein patch testing methods and interpretation are controversial, but subgroups of AD patients may have unique triggers for disease activity. The aim of the study was to identify clinical characteristics of patients who are patch test-positive to Dermatophagoides farinae/pteronyssinus (Df) and Ms and characterize cutaneous cytokine profiles of the atopy patch tests (APTs). 25 AD patients and 27 control dermatitis patients were patch tested with Ms and Df. Qualitative analysis of Th-1 and Th-2 cytokines by RT-PCR mRNA was obtained from positive APTs. Atopic dermatitis patients with a textile pattern or head and neck involvement demonstrated more positive APTs to Ms than control patients. Early positive APTs (<6 hr) did not exhibit a Th-1 type cytokine profile. The subgroup of adult AD patients with head, neck and upper torso pattern of dermatitis seems most likely to react to Ms (and Df). The immune mechanism of protein patch tests includes a Th-1 cell-mediated component after 6 hr or more.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The characteristics of patients with atopic dermatitis demonstrating a positive reaction in a scratch test after 48 hours against house dust mite antigen.

The clinical characteristics of patients in whom an IgE-mediated reaction against house dust mite (HDM) antigens that contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unclear. This study attempted to elucidate the characteristics of patients who exhibit a positive reaction 48 hr or later against HDM in scratch tests. The reactions after epi-cutaneous application of the allergen to skin with prior scratching were observed for one week in sixteen AD patients showing positive immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions for HDM. Fifty percent of the patients demonstrated positive reactions at 48 hours after epi-cutaneous application of HDM. Significantly higher values were demonstrated in the group positive for HDM after 48 h in serum total IgE, specific IgE for Der f 1, and lactate dehydrogenase, peripheral eosinophil counts, eruption score, and the area of eruption than in the group negative for HDM after 48 h. Domestic exposure to Der f 1 was also higher in the group positive for HDM after 48 h than in the negative group. These results indicate that the patients in whom the HDM-induced reaction continuing more than 48 h and contributing to their real eczematous eruptions are characterized by considerably increased levels of specific IgE for HDM antigens, high disease activity in AD, and increased exposure to domestic HDM.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

What causes worsening of eczema? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Flares of eczema are attributed to many factors, often with minimal scientific evidence. OBJECTIVES: Systematically to search, summarize and critically appraise the scientific evidence to support the roles of individual 'flare factors' in eczema. METHODS: We searched Medline from 1966 until 20 April 2005 to identify relevant articles for inclusion in this review. No language restrictions were imposed. All study designs were included and were ranked according to the strength of evidence. Experimental and provocation studies were restricted to those using a double-blind design. We included randomized controlled trials if they were provocation studies. Meta-analysis was not possible due to differences in study populations and methodology. The studies are therefore described qualitatively. RESULTS: The roles of foodstuffs (13 studies), house dust mite (three), other aeroallergens (two), seasonality (two), bacterial infections (one), textiles (three), detergents (one), sunlight (one) and stress (two) were assessed in different study populations, using a variety of study designs. All studies were performed on selected groups and only four were longitudinal in design. Collectively, these studies provide some evidence that certain foods, house dust mite, stress and seasonal factors are relevant causes of disease worsening in certain subgroups with eczema. No good evidence could be found to support the role of detergents, textiles and irritants in causing worsening of eczema. CONCLUSIONS: Despite anecdotal lists in textbooks and review articles, very little good evidence exists for 'flare factors' in eczema. The focus of all of the included studies was on disease worsening rather than clinically relevant flares. Studies of longitudinal design are required to clarify the roles of these and other putative flare factors in eczema.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

A randomized controlled trial of mite allergen-impermeable bed covers in adult mite-sensitized asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Mite-allergic patients with allergic disease should benefit from avoiding mite allergens. Many physicians, however, are yet to be convinced that allergen avoidance can make a significant contribution to asthma management in these patients. Many allergen-avoidance regimes include multiple measures of allergen reduction, but as mite exposure in the home is most likely to be greatest in bed dust, bedding is usually the first target for intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study selected adult patients considered to be most likely to benefit from avoiding mite allergens, namely diagnosed asthmatics, sensitized to house dust mites and exposed to mite allergen in their mattresses. Patients were randomized into a placebo-controlled trial of the use of allergen-impermeable bed covers for 12 months, without any other form of mite-reduction measures. METHODS: Adults with asthma were selected from general practices and asthma clinics in south-east London. Their serum IgE to mite allergens and allergen content of mattress dust samples were measured. Those with >0.70 kU/L mite-specific IgE and >2 microg/g Der p 1 were randomized into active or placebo treatments. Information was collected on allergic symptoms and medication use and quarterly peak flow diaries were kept throughout the trial. Dog or cat allergic patients were excluded if they had a pet at home to which they were sensitized. RESULTS: The mean decrease in microg/g Der p 1 was 25.7 (95% CI 8.9, 74.1) in the active group and 4.5 (95% CI 1.8, 11.5) in the placebo group. Der p 1 concentrations in the active and placebo groups at the end of the trial were not significantly different. There was no effect on peak flow or asthma symptoms in a simple comparison of the treatment and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: In this group of patients, mite allergen avoidance in the bed by the use of allergen-impermeable bedding alone cannot be recommended as an effective way of relieving asthma symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Anaphylaxis after hamster bites--identification of a novel allergen.

BACKGROUND: Hamsters are popular household pets and anaphylaxis after their bites have described. However, the putative allergen has not been identified. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the allergen causing dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungoris) bite-induced anaphylaxis. METHODS: Two children with hamster bite-induced anaphylaxis were enrolled. They both had negative results to skin testing and specific IgE to hamster epithelium. However, they were both allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p). Identification of the putative IgE-binding allergens from the hamster saliva was performed using immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: A specific IgE-binding component at 21 kD in the hamster saliva was identified. ELISA inhibition tests showed partial inhibition with Der p. CONCLUSIONS: The putative allergen from the hamster saliva causing dwarf hamster-induced anaphylaxis was identified. Possible cross-reactivity with Der p was demonstrated. Further studies will be needed to identify the exact nature and function of this allergen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Cytosine-phosphate-guanine motifs fail to promote T-helper type 1-polarized responses in human neonatal mononuclear cells.

BACKGROUND: The T-helper type 1 (Th1) trophic properties of bacterial cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) motifs have made them logical adjuvants both for the suppression of Th2-mediated allergic disease in early life and for promoting vaccine responses in neonates who have relatively immature Th1 function. However, little is known about their effects on immature immune responses in this period. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of CpG on adult and neonatal cellular immune responses to various stimuli. METHODS: The immune responses of mononuclear cells (MC) derived from neonates (n=25) and their mothers (n=25) were compared in vitro. These were stimulated with house dust mite (HDM), CpG B, CpG C, non-CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) or diphtheria toxoid (DT) in optimized conditions. In parallel cultures, CpGs were combined with HDM or DT antigens to assess the effect of the various ODN on these antigen-specific responses. Lymphoproliferation and cytokine responses IL-13, IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha) were measured for all of the cultures described above. RESULTS: Although neonates showed attenuated lymphoproliferation to CpG, the production of antigen-presenting cell-derived cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-10 and the up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II (HLA-DR) were detected at adult levels. T cell-derived cytokines (IL-13 and IFN-gamma) were not detectable in response to CpG alone. Most neonates also failed to produce detectable IFN-gamma to HDM or DT (unlike adults), but readily produced IL-13 to these stimuli. The addition of CpG resulted in an increase in neonatal IFN-gamma production in response to HDM (P=0.011) and a similar but non-significant trend with DT. However, rather than inhibiting Th2 IL-13 responses, the addition of CpGs was associated with a significant increase in the IL-13 responses to HDM (P=0.016) and DT (P=0.03), effects not seen in adults. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that neonatal MC responses to CpG are functionally different from adults, and do not show clear Th1 polarization. The CpG associated increase in Th2 responses may reflect a potentiation of the normal neonatal Th2 propensity, or non-specific activation of neonatal MC.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2005

Sensitization to dust mites in children with allergic rhinitis in Singapore: does it matter if you scratch while you sneeze?

BACKGROUND: Previously published data established Blomia tropicalis, as the major source of allergic sensitization in asthmatic children in tropical Singapore. Objective To define the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of species-specific mite sensitization in paediatric allergic rhinitis (AR) patients in this unique environment. METHODS: We performed a prospective evaluation of newly diagnosed AR patients, from 1 May 2003 to 30 April 2004, from the otolaryngology and allergy outpatient clinics of the Kendang Kerbau Children's Hospital in Singapore. Patients included in the study showed evidence of sensitization to at least one respiratory allergen source and completed a detailed questionnaire. Relative risk of sensitization and associated risk factors were calculated using logistic regression analysis with the forward stepwise model. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding interactions. Continuous values were compared using anova, SPSS 9.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., 1999). RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five patients were included, 119 (68%) males, 142 (81%) Chinese, age mean 7.9 years (range 2-16). Sixty-eight patients (39%) reported a concomitant diagnosis and/or clinical complaints of bronchial asthma and 84 (48%) of atopic dermatitis. Skin prick test results were positive for traditional house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. and D. farinae mix) in 85% of patients and for B. tropicalis in 62%. Overall mite sensitization was 98%, household pets 10%, moulds 9% and food proteins 12%. By far the single most significant factor associated with Dermatophagoides sensitization in this group was the presence of allergic eczema (odds ratio (OR) 31.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6-285, P=0.002). Allergic eczema was negatively associated with B. tropicalis sensitization (OR 0.26%, 95% CI 0.14-0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Children with AR and concomitant atopic dermatitis show a preferential sensitization to the Dermatophagoides mites. In our population, B. tropicalis sensitization is more prominent in children with pure respiratory allergy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Post-marketing survey on the safety of sublingual immunotherapy in children below the age of 5 years.

BACKGROUND: The age below 5 years is considered a prudential limit for immunotherapy in view of the possible severity of side-effects. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) seems to be safe, but no study in very young children is available. We performed a safety post-marketing surveillance study in children below 5 years. METHODS: Children aged 3-5 years with respiratory allergy receiving SLIT were followed-up for at least 2 years. A diary card for side-effects was filled by parents at each dose given. Local and systemic side-effects were graded as: mild (no intervention, no dose adjustment), moderate (medical treatment and/or dose reduction), severe (life-threatening/hospitalization/emergency care). The comparative safety of different allergens and regimens was also assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six children (mean age 4.2 years, 67 male) were included. Seventy-six (60%) had rhinitis with asthma, 34 (27%) rhinitis only and 16 (13%) only asthma. Immunotherapy was prescribed for mites (62%), grasses (22.2%), Parietaria (11.9%), Alternaria (2.4%) and olive (1.5%). Eighteen children underwent an accelerated build-up. The total number of doses was about 39,000. Nine side-effects were reported in seven children (5.6% patients and 0.2/1000 doses). Two episodes of oral itching and one of abdominal pain were mild. Six gastrointestinal side-effects were controlled by reducing the dose. All side-effects occurred during up-dosing phase. No difference in terms of safety among the allergens used was observed. CONCLUSION: SLIT is safe also in children under the age of 5 years.

Administration, Sublingual↗
PubMed2005

The novel use of the human nasal epithelial cell line RPMI 2650 as an in vitro model to study the influence of allergens and cytokines on transforming growth factor-beta gene expression and protein release.

BACKGROUND: The epithelial accumulation of mast cells is a feature of allergic rhinitis and this has been linked to the expression of the known mast cell chemoattractant transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) at this site. Little is known concerning the regulation of TGF-beta gene expression or protein release by nasal epithelial cells. To address this we have utilized the RPMI 2650 human nasal epithelial cell line, which has some features that closely resemble normal nasal epithelium and has been reported to secrete a TGF-beta-like molecule. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the regulation of TGF-beta gene expression and protein secretion in RPMI 2650 nasal epithelial cells following exposure to allergens (house dust mite (HDM) and grass pollen) and mast cell associated T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-alpha). Methods Light and scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphology of RPMI 2650 cells in culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to investigate their TGF-beta secretory capacity and the identification of the TGF-beta isotype(s) involved, flow cytometry was used to demonstrate the presence of TGF-beta receptors on the RPMI 2650 cells, and the quantitative real-time TaqMan PCR was used to measure TGF-beta gene expression. RESULTS: TGF-beta(2) was identified as the main isotype secreted by the RPMI 2650 cells. HDM allergens and TNF-alpha increased both TGF-beta gene expression and protein release from these cells, whereas grass pollen, IL-4, and IL-13 were without effect. CONCLUSIONS: The RPMI 2650 nasal epithelial cell line represents a valid in vitro model to evaluate the regulation of TGF-beta biology. In this system HDM allergens have stimulatory activity that is fundamentally different from that of grass pollen allergens, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 are without effect. The ability of TNF-alpha to up-regulate both TGF-beta gene expression and protein release indicates that mast cell-epithelial interactions concerning TGF-beta are bi-directional and this may be fundamental to epithelial immunoregulation. The availability of a model system, such as the RPMI 2650 cells, will enable the early evaluation of future novel and targeted interventions directed toward the aberrant responses of upper airway structural cells.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Relationship between aeroallergen and food allergen sensitization in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies measuring the prevalence of allergen sensitization have been relatively small and used small numbers of allergens. To effectively evaluate children with atopic disease, we need an accurate knowledge of which allergens are important. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of sensitization within a large unselected birth cohort, to examine the associations between sensitization to different allergens and determine whether atopy can be defined by a small panel of allergens. METHODS: The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children is a population-based birth cohort of 13,638 singletons surviving to 4 weeks of age. The cohort was skin tested at 7 years of age to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), grass pollens, cat, peanuts, mixed tree nuts and egg and one of three other panels: animal danders, foods or aeroallergens. Sensitization was defined as a weal diameter of > or =3 mm. The strength of associations between sensitization to different allergens was tested by calculating the odds ratio adjusted for sensitization to D. pteronyssinus and grass pollen and gender. RESULTS: Valid data were obtained from 6412 singletons. Sensitization was most common to aeroallergens: grass pollens (8.5%), D. pteronyssinus (7.8%), cat (4.9%), D. farinae (3.6%), dog (2.7%), horse (1.4%), rabbit (1.4%). Of the foods tested, the most common sensitization was to peanut (1.4%) and mixed tree nuts (1.0%). More than 95% of subjects with sensitization to any of the 29 allergens tested were sensitized to one of grass, D. pteronyssinus or cat allergen. There were strong associations of multiple sensitizations both within and between different allergen classes (pollens, animals, foods, peanut and tree nuts). CONCLUSIONS: Seven-year-old children in the UK are primarily sensitized to aeroallergens, but also to peanuts and tree nuts. There are strong associations between sensitization within allergen groups as well as between allergen groups. Further studies are required to observe whether similar associations are seen with clinical allergy to these allergens.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2005

House dust mite-specific T cells in healthy non-atopic children.

BACKGROUND: T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that allergen-specific T cells can also be found in the blood of healthy individuals. Both IL-10 and IFN-gamma might modulate the induction and maintenance of allergen-specific tolerance. AIM: To study the phenotype and functional characteristics of allergen-specific T cells in healthy non-atopic children. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 13 symptomatic house dust mite (HDM)-allergic children and from nine matched healthy control children were stimulated with recombinant (r)Der p 2, a major allergen from HDMs. RESULTS: Stimulation with rDer p 2 resulted in Th2 cytokine production in cultures of PBMC from allergic but not from healthy children. In contrast, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were induced in PBMC cultures from both healthy and HDM-allergic children. Intracellular staining revealed that IL-10 and IFN-gamma are largely produced by the same T cells. Stimulation of T cells from healthy children with rDer p 2 also induced expression of inducible costimulator (ICOS) on a small T cell subset. CONCLUSION: Allergen-specific memory T cells from healthy non-atopic children produce IL-10 and IFN-gamma (but not Th2 cytokines) and express ICOS upon stimulation. These cells might be responsible for a normal immune balance after allergen encounter in non-atopics.

Antigens, Dermatophagoides↗
PubMed2004

The clinical effect of environmental control of house dust mites in 60 house dust mite-sensitive dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of benzyl benzoate, an acaricide for the control of house dust mites, in 60 house dust mite-sensitive dogs. All dogs showed positive reactions on intradermal skin testing for house dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) alone, or house dust mites with storage mites (Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Glycophagus domesticus). House dust samples from the owners' houses were collected and sent to the clinic, where the authors performed a test (Acarex test) to semi-quantify the amount of guanine, a house dust mite product. Treatment with benzyl benzoate was repeated until the house dust samples were negative for house dust mite guanine. After treatment, 29 out of 60 house dust mite-sensitive dogs (48%) showed no skin lesions or pruritus. Moderate results were achieved in 22 dogs (36%), with reduced pruritus and minimal skin lesions, but still requiring medication. In 13 dogs, this involved regular treatment (3-4 times a year) with antibiotics and anti-yeast medication, and in eight dogs, immunotherapy was used. One dog was controlled with essential fatty acids as monotherapy and one dog was controlled with immunotherapy and essential fatty acids. In the remaining nine dogs (15%), the pruritus remained the same, and these dogs were controlled with oral corticosteroids. These results indicate that house dust mite elimination is a useful tool in the management of house dust mite-sensitive dogs.

Animals↗