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Ragweed-a novel allergen in Southern Germany
S234 Abstracts
903
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Pollen Sensitization in Allergic Patients from a Tropical Country T. Pongsiripipat1, S. Tongloh1, J. Ngamphaiboon1, B. Dhorranintra2, P. Chatchatee1; 1Chulalongkorn university, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol university, Bangkok, Thailand. RATIONALE: Grass and tree pollens are among the most important aeroallergens world-wide. Types of pollens in different areas of the world vary according to climates and local species. We aim to study prevalence and clinical significance of sensitization to variety of local pollens in allergic patients living in a tropical country. METHODOLOGY: Thai patients with clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or asthma were enrolled. Prick skin testing to variety of local grass and tree pollens, indoor allergens and molds was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients were included, age range from 1.6 to 71 years, average 11 years. Skin prick test was positive to pollens in 26.7% of patients. This positivity rate ranked fifth after Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) (56.8%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) (53.3%), Blattella germanica (GCR) (35%) and Periplaneta americana (ACR) (30.1%) respectively. Positivity rates to Johnson, Bahia, Bermuda, Corn, Sugar cane, Careless weed, Acacia and Sedge were 16%, 15.5%, 14.1%, 12.1%, 8.3%, 5.8%, 4.9% and 2.4% respectively. Local pollens which included corn, sugar cane and sedge accounted for 22.8% of pollen sensitization. Sensitization to pollens was strongly associated with eye symptoms (OR 5.2 [95% CI 2.4-11.1, p-value <0.0001]) whereas indoor allergens did not show this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: There is significantly high prevalence of pollen sensitization in allergic patients living in a tropical country. Sensitization rate ranked after house dust mites and cockroach and is higher than sensitization to pets. The results emphasize the importance of testing for pollen sensitization, including local pollens, especially in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
904
TUESDAY
Changes in Severity of Allergy and Anxiety Symptoms Are Positively Correlated in Patients with Recurrent Mood Disorders Who Are Exposed to Seasonal Peaks of Aeroallergens T. T. Postolache, S. Zimmerman, M. Lapidus, J. Cabassa, D. D’Agostino, P. Langenberg, L. Tonelli; University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD. RATIONALE: Considering clinical and animal evidence suggesting a relationship between allergy and anxiety, we hypothesized that, from low to high aeroallergen exposure, changes in anxiety symptom scores in patients with primary mood disorders will correlate with changes in allergy symptom scores. We also anticipated that sensitization to tree pollen, as determined by allergen specific IgE antibodies, will predict a greater worsening of anxiety during exposure to tree pollen. METHODS: 51 patients with unipolar or bipolar disorder (age: 19-63 years, 65% female) were recruited. Tree- pollen IgE positive subjects (12) were included as the experimental group and patients negative to a multi-allergen serological test (39) were included in the control group. Self reports of anxiety and allergy symptoms were obtained once during the peak airborne pollen counts and once during the period of low airborne pollen counts, as reported by two local pollen counting stations. RESULTS: Using linear regression models, we found a significant positive association between allergy scores and anxiety scores (p < 0.04); however, the IgE specific tree pollen positivity was not significantly associated with changes in anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS: Because changes in anxiety scores relate to changes in depression scores, the relationship between allergy and anxiety likely involves states rather than only traits. Future research is necessary to further our understanding of the potential reciprocal relationship between anxiety and allergy.
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2009
905
Exposure To Mouse (Mus m1) And Rat (Rat n1) Allergens In Different Houses In Strasbourg A. Muti, A. Dazy, A. Verot, F. de Blay; Universitary Hospital, Strasbourg, France. INTRODUCTION: The mouse (Mus m1) and rat (Rat n1) major allergens were found in respectively 95% and 33% of the houses of inner-city children with asthma in the Unites States. There is no European data on exposure to mouse and rat allergens at home. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of Mus m1 and Rat n1 in different houses in Strasbourg. METHODS: House-dust samples were collected from 30 private houses and 30 social houses randomly selected. The concentrations of Mus m1 and Rat n1 were measured using an ELISA method (Indoor Biotechnologies, Va, USA). RESULTS: The median value of Mus m1 in the 60 houses was 0.01 mg/g of house-dust (range 0.002- 0.175 mg/g of dust). In 18 private houses and 18 social houses the concentration of Mus m1 was superior to the detection limit (0.001 mg/g of dust). The median value for the private houses was 0.01 mg/g dust (range 0.002-0.09 m/g of dust) and for the social houses it was 0.013 mg/g of dust (range 0.002-0.175 mg/g of dust). The differences were not significant. None of the houses had Rat n1 in the house-dust (detection limit - 0.007 mg/g of house dust). None of the inhabitants worked with mice or rats. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the results obtained in the United States, the concentrations of Mus m1 in our house-dust samples were 50 times lower. 36 out of 60 houses had measurable concentrations of Mus m1. Rat n1 was not detectable in any of the houses.
906
Ragweed-a novel allergen in Southern Germany T. F. M. Jaeger1, J. Huss-Marp1, U. Darsow1, M. Ollert2, J. Ring2, H. Behrendt1; 1Helmholtz Center Munich/Technische Universita¨t M€unchen, Munich, Germany, 2Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Technische Universita¨t M€unchen, Munich, Germany. RATIONALE: Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), which is native to North America represents an important aeroallergen in this region. Recently ragweed is increasingly found in Europe while little is known concerning sensitization rates and clinical relevance of this allergen. METHODS: Patients presenting in our allergy unit in 2008 were included in the study. Sensitization rates were investigated by skin prick test (SPT) and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE)-measurement to ragweed and other common aeroallergens. The clinical relevance of sensitization to ragweed was subsequently assessed by taking the patients history using a standardised questionnaire and nasal/conjunctival provocation tests with ragweed allergen. RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of the data showed that from a total of 133 patients (42 male, 91 female, mean age 41.26 6 16.97 years), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was diagnosed in 84 patients (63.2%) and ragweed sensitization was found in every third (28 patients, 33.3%). Monosensitization to ragweed was evident in 11.4% (SPT) resp. 10% (specific IgE) of all patients. Up to now provocation tests were performed in a subset of patients with sensitization to ragweed and symptoms in late summer/autum (nasal provocation, n 5 23; conjunctival provocation, n 5 16) showing positive results in 6 (26.1%) resp. 5 (31.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In Southern Germany sensitization to ragweed is more frequent than expected. The clinical relevance of ragweed allergen in Germany as well as its cross reactivity to mugwort remains to be investigated. Supported by grant # 34a-G8158.2-2007/3-6 by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection.
903
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Pollen Sensitization in Allergic Patients from a Tropical Country T. Pongsiripipat1, S. Tongloh1, J. Ngamphaiboon1, B. Dhorranintra2, P. Chatchatee1; 1Chulalongkorn university, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol university, Bangkok, Thailand. RATIONALE: Grass and tree pollens are among the most important aeroallergens world-wide. Types of pollens in different areas of the world vary according to climates and local species. We aim to study prevalence and clinical significance of sensitization to variety of local pollens in allergic patients living in a tropical country. METHODOLOGY: Thai patients with clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or asthma were enrolled. Prick skin testing to variety of local grass and tree pollens, indoor allergens and molds was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients were included, age range from 1.6 to 71 years, average 11 years. Skin prick test was positive to pollens in 26.7% of patients. This positivity rate ranked fifth after Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) (56.8%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) (53.3%), Blattella germanica (GCR) (35%) and Periplaneta americana (ACR) (30.1%) respectively. Positivity rates to Johnson, Bahia, Bermuda, Corn, Sugar cane, Careless weed, Acacia and Sedge were 16%, 15.5%, 14.1%, 12.1%, 8.3%, 5.8%, 4.9% and 2.4% respectively. Local pollens which included corn, sugar cane and sedge accounted for 22.8% of pollen sensitization. Sensitization to pollens was strongly associated with eye symptoms (OR 5.2 [95% CI 2.4-11.1, p-value <0.0001]) whereas indoor allergens did not show this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: There is significantly high prevalence of pollen sensitization in allergic patients living in a tropical country. Sensitization rate ranked after house dust mites and cockroach and is higher than sensitization to pets. The results emphasize the importance of testing for pollen sensitization, including local pollens, especially in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
904
TUESDAY
Changes in Severity of Allergy and Anxiety Symptoms Are Positively Correlated in Patients with Recurrent Mood Disorders Who Are Exposed to Seasonal Peaks of Aeroallergens T. T. Postolache, S. Zimmerman, M. Lapidus, J. Cabassa, D. D’Agostino, P. Langenberg, L. Tonelli; University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD. RATIONALE: Considering clinical and animal evidence suggesting a relationship between allergy and anxiety, we hypothesized that, from low to high aeroallergen exposure, changes in anxiety symptom scores in patients with primary mood disorders will correlate with changes in allergy symptom scores. We also anticipated that sensitization to tree pollen, as determined by allergen specific IgE antibodies, will predict a greater worsening of anxiety during exposure to tree pollen. METHODS: 51 patients with unipolar or bipolar disorder (age: 19-63 years, 65% female) were recruited. Tree- pollen IgE positive subjects (12) were included as the experimental group and patients negative to a multi-allergen serological test (39) were included in the control group. Self reports of anxiety and allergy symptoms were obtained once during the peak airborne pollen counts and once during the period of low airborne pollen counts, as reported by two local pollen counting stations. RESULTS: Using linear regression models, we found a significant positive association between allergy scores and anxiety scores (p < 0.04); however, the IgE specific tree pollen positivity was not significantly associated with changes in anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS: Because changes in anxiety scores relate to changes in depression scores, the relationship between allergy and anxiety likely involves states rather than only traits. Future research is necessary to further our understanding of the potential reciprocal relationship between anxiety and allergy.
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2009
905
Exposure To Mouse (Mus m1) And Rat (Rat n1) Allergens In Different Houses In Strasbourg A. Muti, A. Dazy, A. Verot, F. de Blay; Universitary Hospital, Strasbourg, France. INTRODUCTION: The mouse (Mus m1) and rat (Rat n1) major allergens were found in respectively 95% and 33% of the houses of inner-city children with asthma in the Unites States. There is no European data on exposure to mouse and rat allergens at home. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of Mus m1 and Rat n1 in different houses in Strasbourg. METHODS: House-dust samples were collected from 30 private houses and 30 social houses randomly selected. The concentrations of Mus m1 and Rat n1 were measured using an ELISA method (Indoor Biotechnologies, Va, USA). RESULTS: The median value of Mus m1 in the 60 houses was 0.01 mg/g of house-dust (range 0.002- 0.175 mg/g of dust). In 18 private houses and 18 social houses the concentration of Mus m1 was superior to the detection limit (0.001 mg/g of dust). The median value for the private houses was 0.01 mg/g dust (range 0.002-0.09 m/g of dust) and for the social houses it was 0.013 mg/g of dust (range 0.002-0.175 mg/g of dust). The differences were not significant. None of the houses had Rat n1 in the house-dust (detection limit - 0.007 mg/g of house dust). None of the inhabitants worked with mice or rats. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the results obtained in the United States, the concentrations of Mus m1 in our house-dust samples were 50 times lower. 36 out of 60 houses had measurable concentrations of Mus m1. Rat n1 was not detectable in any of the houses.
906
Ragweed-a novel allergen in Southern Germany T. F. M. Jaeger1, J. Huss-Marp1, U. Darsow1, M. Ollert2, J. Ring2, H. Behrendt1; 1Helmholtz Center Munich/Technische Universita¨t M€unchen, Munich, Germany, 2Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Technische Universita¨t M€unchen, Munich, Germany. RATIONALE: Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), which is native to North America represents an important aeroallergen in this region. Recently ragweed is increasingly found in Europe while little is known concerning sensitization rates and clinical relevance of this allergen. METHODS: Patients presenting in our allergy unit in 2008 were included in the study. Sensitization rates were investigated by skin prick test (SPT) and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE)-measurement to ragweed and other common aeroallergens. The clinical relevance of sensitization to ragweed was subsequently assessed by taking the patients history using a standardised questionnaire and nasal/conjunctival provocation tests with ragweed allergen. RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of the data showed that from a total of 133 patients (42 male, 91 female, mean age 41.26 6 16.97 years), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was diagnosed in 84 patients (63.2%) and ragweed sensitization was found in every third (28 patients, 33.3%). Monosensitization to ragweed was evident in 11.4% (SPT) resp. 10% (specific IgE) of all patients. Up to now provocation tests were performed in a subset of patients with sensitization to ragweed and symptoms in late summer/autum (nasal provocation, n 5 23; conjunctival provocation, n 5 16) showing positive results in 6 (26.1%) resp. 5 (31.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In Southern Germany sensitization to ragweed is more frequent than expected. The clinical relevance of ragweed allergen in Germany as well as its cross reactivity to mugwort remains to be investigated. Supported by grant # 34a-G8158.2-2007/3-6 by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection.