Evaluation of skin prick test to screen dust mite sensitization in chronic respiratory diseases in Southern Vietnam

Abstract

BackgroundIn the view of the epidemic growth of sensitization to indoor allergens in Southern Vietnam, there is a requirement to screen large population.ObjectiveTo evaluate skin prick tests (SPTs) as predictors of positive specific IgE (sIgE) to dust allergens, among patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs).MethodsThe sensitization to Blomia tropicalis (Blo t), Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (Der p), and Blattella germanica allergens (Bla g) were evaluated among 610 CRD, both SPT (≥4 mm) and sIgE by immuno-CAP (≥0.7 kUA/L).ResultsBased on sIgE, 45%, 32%, and 33% of patients with CRD were sensitized to Blo t, Der p, and Bla g, respectively, compared to 19%, 18%, and 13% by SPT. The association between SPT and sIgE was statistically significant, though the Kappa factor was fair (i.e., 0.39 to 0.23). While the specificity of SPT to detect sensitization (compared to sIgE) was >90% among the whole population, the sensitivity was only 34%, 41%, and 24% for Bo t, Der p, and Bla g, suggesting that SPT was not enough sensitive to screen the indoor allergen sensitization. Though, among the <10 pack-year (PY) smokers, the sensitivity was 43% for Blo t, 52% for Der p, and 61% for Blo t and/or Der p, compared to 27%, 30%, and 35% among the ≥10 PY smokers. The sensitivity/specificity was not associated with the diagnosis of asthma compared to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionIn the present circumstance, SPT to dust mites allergens can be used to detect a sensitization among CRD population in Southern Vietnam.

Profile of aeroallergen sensitizations in allergic patients living in southern Vietnam

“…The present study showed the high prevalence of sensitization against Df, followed by Dp, Bt, storage mites and cockroach. Among patients with chronic respiratory diseases in southern Vietnam, Df, Bt, Dp and cockroach droppings were the most frequent sensitizers ( 17 , 19 ). Another study from northern Vietnam showed the high prevalence of sensitization to Bt, Dp, Df, and cockroach, while in the Central Highlands region, Dp was the predominant allergen, followed by Df, Bt, and cockroach ( 7 , 10 , 12 ).…”

Utilising a Skin Prick Test for the determination of the presence of allergic rhinitis in divers

“…House dust mites are the most common allergen in: China, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam [7]. Mites cause cross-reactions with shrimps, which are a very common food in the Far East [7].…”

“…House dust mites are the most common allergen in: China, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam [7]. Mites cause cross-reactions with shrimps, which are a very common food in the Far East [7]. Cross allergies also occur between an allergy to tree pollen (birch, hazel) and raw vegetables and fruits [8].…”

Asia Pacific Allergy : A great platform for allergy

“…This issue also contains a report on the sensitization of Blomia tropicalis , Dermatophagoides pteronissinus , and Blattella germanica allergens evaluated by skin prick test and allergen-specific IgE in chronic respiratory diseases from Southern Vietnam [ 14 ], and a case report of anaphylactic shock induced by tipepidine hibenzate (Asverin), an antitussive drug, in 1 year old child [ 15 ].…”