Mite allergen sensitization patterns in Turkish children: Age-related changes and molecular correlations

Exploring the Role of Allergenic Components in Children with House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Diseases

Purpose

To investigate the main characteristics of HDM-induced allergic diseases in children and to explore allergen component-specific sensitization patterns, features, and correlations with clinical symptoms.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from children with HDM-induced allergic diseases. Information on age, sex, and clinical symptoms was recorded. A protein chip method was used to detect specific IgE (sIgE) against HDM components, including Der p 1, Der f 1, Der p 2, Der f 2, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 21, and Der p 23.

Results

116/120 (96.67%) exhibited positive reactions to HDM components. The highest positive rates were for Der p 1 (95.83%) and Der f 1 (95.83%), followed by Der p 2 (86.67%), Der f 2 (85.83%), and Der p 23 (62.50%). Der p 5, 7, and 23 positivity increased with age. Notably, Der p 23 positivity was higher in the allergic asthma (AA) group than in the non-AA, atopic dermatitis (AD), and allergic rhinitis (AR) groups and higher in AR with AA than AR-only. Der p 2 and Der f 2 had higher positive rates in respiratory allergies than in AD alone. The impact of other HDM components on different allergic diseases was minimal. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive correlations between sIgE concentrations for various HDM components, especially between Der p 2 and Der f 2 (r = 0.96, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Der p 1, Der f 1, Der p 2, Der f 2, and Der f 23 are the major allergens, with Der p 5, 7, and 23 showing age-specific sensitization patterns. Der p 2 and Der f 2 are closely associated with respiratory allergies, whereas Der p 23 is particularly linked to the development of asthma. There is a general positive correlation among the sIgE concentrations of various HDM components.

Advancing diagnostic precision: Unveiling sensitization relationships between cat, dog, and horse allergen molecules

BACKGROUND

Recent advancements in molecular diagnostics have unveiled a multitude of allergen molecules (AMs) associated with animal sensitizations, revealing significant cross- and co-sensitization patterns among these seemingly distinct allergens.

METHOD

We investigated the sensitization profiles of 120 children, sensitized to at least one of the 14 AMs from cat, dog, or horse using the Alex test, employing correlations and hierarchical clusters to explore relationship between sensitizations.

RESULTS

Sensitizations to Fel d 1, Can f 4/5, and Equ c 4 differ from other cat, dog, and horse AM sensitizations, suggesting they may represent genuine sensitizations for their respective animals. High correlations were observed among various AMs, including lipocalins (Can f 1/2/6, Fel d 4/7, and Equ c 1), serum albumins (Fel d 2, Can f 3, and Equ c 3), and uteroglobins (Fel d 1 and Can f_Fd1). Hierarchical clustering of sensitizations identified two similarity clusters and one dissimilarity cluster, providing an estimation of the likelihood of cross-reactivity. Additionally, our method facilitated speculation regarding cross-, co-, or genuine sensitization. Moreover, we noted a potential increase in the number and level of sensitized animal AMs concurrent with increased sensitization to other aeroallergens with advancing age. No significant difference was detected for the presence or absence of various types of allergic comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Correlations and hierarchical clustering can unveil the extent and magnitude of cross-, co-, and genuine sensitization relationships among animal AMs. These insights can be leveraged to enhance artificial intelligence algorithms, improving diagnostic accuracy through the integration of other measures of sensitization.