Serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen components in patients with allergic rhinitis or/and asthma

Abstract

Background: House-dust mites (HDM) allergen is one of the most important allergens in southern China; however, studies on the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus components are relatively lacking. Objective: This study analyzed the molecular components of D. pteronyssinus in patients with allergic asthma (AS) and/or allergic rhinitis (AR) sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, and aimed to improve HDM immunotherapy in southern China. Methods: Allergen component-resolved diagnosis detection technology was used to detect the serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to D. pteronyssinus allergen components (Der p 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 23) in patients who were sensitized to D. pteronyssinus and with AR (n = 106), AS (n = 144), or AR combined with AS (n = 134). Results: The highest positive rates of D. pteronyssinus components were Der p 1 (94.8%), followed by Der p 2 (77.6%), Der p 23 (62.5%), Der p 7 (34.6%), Der p 5 (17.7%), Der p 10 (12.2%), and Der p 3 (2.6%). Patients with AR+AS had the highest positive rates to Der p 2 (85.8%), Der p 23 (62.7%), Der p 7 (40.3%), Der p 5 (25.0%), and Der p 10 (16.4%). Der p 1 had the highest positive rate in patients with AR (95.3%). The Der p 3 positive rate in patients with AS (6.0%) was higher than that in patients with AR (0.0%, χ2 = 6.872, p < 0.05) and patients with AR+AS (0.7%, χ2 = 6.063, p < 0.05) Among the patients with AR+AS, 19.1% were co-sensitized to Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23, and Der p 7. Interestingly, only one patient with AR was exclusively sensitized to Der p 23. An optimal scale analysis showed that Der p 5, Der p 23, and Der p 7 had strong connection (Cronbach α = 93.7%). Conclusion: Der p 1 and Der p 2 were the main sensitization components of D. pteronyssinus, and patients with AS+AR had the highest positive rate for five of seven D. pteronyssinus allergen components. This research can provide suggestions for personalized HDM-specific immunotherapy in southern China.