CAN MITE-SPECIFIC IGE BE USED AS A SURROGATE FOR MITE EXPOSURE

Several epidemiologic studies suggest that in mite-sensitive patients symptoms are dependent upon mite-exposure level. However, in clinical practice, it is not easy to measure major mite allergens. In contrast, assay of specific IgE antibodies can be done routinely. Thus, we want ed to compare, in a group of 40 mite-sensitive patients, the levels of mite-specific IgE (measured by RAST grade 0-6) and the level of mite group I allergen in mattresses (measured in mu g/g house dust). The co rrelation coefficient between both variables was highly significant (P = 0.001). Subjects with a RAST grade of 3 or more had a 77% probabili ty of being exposed to high (i.e., > 10 mu g/g dust) mite allergen lev el. In contrast, subjects with RAST grades 0, 1, or 2 had a 77% probab ility of not being exposed to such high levels. Thus, measurement of s erum mite-specific IgE level could be used in routine prediction of mi te exposure.