Identification and quantification of mite allergens.

Abstract

Allergens from the house dust mite are ubiquitous in house dust. Exposure to these allergens can cause acute symptoms in patients who are sensitized to house-dust mite and have asthma or other allergic diseases, such as rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. It is not clear how much mite-allergen exposure is a risk factor for the development of sensitization or for triggering acute symptoms. Therefore, it is important to be able to quantify accurately the amount of mite allergen present in the indoor environment in order to carry out studies to identify risk factors for exposure, to investigate exposure-response effects, and to monitor the progress of allergen-reducing regimens.