Background: Exposure to mosquitoes in the Tropics is perennial, and their somatic and saliva antigens have shown IgE binding capacity, although it is not clear whether this is due to cross-reactivity or primary sensitization. Inhalation of these allergens could trigger an allergic response.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of sensitization to Aedes aegypti in a group of patients with allergic rhinitis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with allergic rhinitis subjects and healthy controls sensitized to mosquito extract was performed. Sensitization to mosquito and house dust mites was evaluated using skin prick test (SPT) and antibody determination by ELISA. Nasal provocation test (NPT) with whole-body extract was used to determine clinical relevance.
Results: Allergic rhinitis patients were more sensitized to mosquito extract than controls with (+) SPT (66.6% vs. 7.6%). From these (+) SPT patients, 44.5% had (+) NPT, and just two (11%) presented mono-sensitization to mosquito. Antibody reactivity was similar between patients and controls; however, (+) NPT patients showed a tendency to had higher levels of IgE and IgG4.
Discussion: Mosquitoes are perennial in most tropical areas, and their body allergens could be associated with respiratory allergies.
Keywords: Aeroallergen; Allergy; Atopy; House dust mite; IgE; Mosquito; Nasal challenge; Rhinitis.
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