Dot immunobinding assay for detection of mite antigens in house-dust samples.

A new test was developed specifically to detect mite antigens in house-dust. It uses a nitrocellulose dipstick spotted with specific antimite antibodies that act as a capture matrix; the same antibodies act as a detecting reagent when conjugated with colloidal dye particles. Aclotest is a 1-step assay, where a spotted dipstick is placed in a tube containing the detecting reagent and the house-dust sample. No instrumentation or previous extraction procedure of the sample is required, and the test response is visible as a colored spot, after 1 h incubation. The sensitivity and specificity of the new test were compared with those of Acarex and Der p1/Der f1 ELISA tests.

[Allergenic Acari]. / Gli acari allergenici.

The Authors report the milestones which led to the discovery of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus as the main allergen source in house dust, and discuss its etiological role in allergic respiratory diseases. The present knowledge on the importance of other species of mite potentially allergenic in man is focused. From a biological point of view, the taxonomy, anatomy and physiology of these important Arthropods are described. Furthermore, the techniques for the collection and identification of mite specimens in house dust samples are briefly described. From an ecological point of view, the most important factors which regulate the peculiar distribution of some mite species in the domestic and occupational environments (i.e. relative humidity of air, temperature, sources of food) are described. The Authors, furthermore, report the theoretical criteria and the practical procedures for the control of mite growth in the houses. The main physical, chemical and immunological characteristics of the mite allergens are described. The Authors emphasize the studies on cross-reactions between different mite species, from which the importance of the storage mites as allergens of clinical relevance appears clearly. Furthermore, the techniques for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of the mite-related allergic diseases are briefly described.

[Domestic Acari in Sardinia]. / Gli acari domestici in Sardegna.

In Sardinia, a great Mediterranean island, house dust mites allergy is very spread. This investigation was carried out to determine the species, occurrence and abundance of mites in the house dust of sensitized subjects. 55 samples of house dust were examined and the mites fauna identified. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most abundant (54% of the found mites), and the most frequent mite (94.5%). Two others pyroglyphid species were recovered: Dermatophagoides farinae and Euroglyphus maynei that were common in Sardinian house dusts. The frequency with which E. maynei was found in this region (50%) suggests that he may well be an important cause of allergy in this region underestimated. Several species of storage mites were common in house dust, chiefly Glycyphagid and Acarid species, that have been shown to provoke strong reactions in sensitized subjects. The Mediterranean climate, and its effect on the physical conditions within the house, and the personal life style of the inhabitants are the most important factors associated with high mite numbers in Sardinian house dust.