Sensitization to the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor in wheat flour respiratory allergy

Ann Allergy. 1992 May;68(5):398-403.

Abstract

Occupational allergy due to hypersensitivity to cereal flours is relatively common among bakers and grain-store workers. Storage mites can contaminate wheat flour and could be an important cause of allergic symptoms due to inhalation. Forty-three patients with criteria for allergic sensitization to wheat flour (skin tests, specific IgE to wheat flour and positive challenge tests) were included in a study to investigate the prevalence of cosensitization to Lepidoglyphus destructor (Ld). This mite was the predominant species in the wheat flour samples supplied by our patients. We found that 30% of the patients had IgE-mediated hypersensitivity of Ld. Of these, 23% did not have a relationship with any bakery or agriculture. We conclude that the prevalence of sensitization to Ld in patients sensitized to wheat flour is important.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Antigens / analysis
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests
  • Female
  • Flour / adverse effects*
  • Flour / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mites / immunology*
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin E