After the discovery ofhouse dust mites in 1964 their association with asthma has been reported from many different parts of the world including the developing countries. Two sets of major allergens from mites of the genus Dermatophagoides are now well recognized. The Group I allergens are glycoproteins of relative molecular mass (Mr) 25 000, which show both structural homology and cross-reactivity. The allergen Der p I has been cloned and sequenced confirming the M, and establishing its nature as a protease. The Group II allergens (Mr 15 000) show even closer homology and cross-reactivity.Specific immunoassays for Group I and Group II allergens, using monospecific antisera and monoclonal antibodies, have been standardized and are suitable for measuring allergen levels in different parts of the world.Measures for reducing the levels of mite allergens in houses include the covering of mattresses, hot washing of bedding, and removal of carpets from bedrooms as well as humidity control, vacuum cleaning, and the use ofacaricides in the rest ofthe house. There is already evidence that these procedures can cause a major improvement in the symptoms of asthma. While provisional standards for both sensitization to mites and also mite allergen exposure can now be recommended, there is an urgent needfor controlled studies using protocols demonstrated to reduce mite allergen levels by at least tenfold and for further international collaboration.

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The authors studied twenty patients with celery allergy and concomitant hypersensitivity to eertain pollens (mugwort, bireh). The speeifie symptoms indueed by eating celery were attaeks of urticaria and angio oedema (seventeen out of twenty) respiratory complaints (eight out of twenty), systemie anaphylaxis with vascular collapse (three out of twenty). A strong assoeiation between elinical reactions to celery and mugwort sensitization, and to a lesser degree between celery allergy and bireh pollen sensitization was established. Celery allergy is mediated by IgE antibodies and ean be easily diagnosed by cutaneous tests using fresh material and/or by adequate RAST test. RAST inhibitions performed on individual sera suggest the existenee of eommon antigens in celery and mugwort, and in eelery and bireh pollen. However, the exact nature of these common antigens has not yet been determined.

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