Background: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgE (sIgE) measurement is a major diagnostic test for the detection of sensitization to that allergen. Methods: To investigate the effect of climate on the seasonal variations of D.pteronyssinus sIgE, we studied the tests performed in an insular population during a 10-year period. The association with meteorological factors was evaluated with multiple regression analyses. Results: Of 24,879 tests performed for D. pteronyssinus sIgE, 16,719 (67.2%) were D. pteronyssinus sIgE positive; 24.5% were tested for asthma and 46.07% for rhinitis. D. pteronyssinus sIgE levels showed a seasonal pattern with an annual peak in November. In the multivariate analyses solar radiation (r = –0.94) and relative humidity (r = 0.86) were independent factors associated with D. pteronyssinus sIgE levels. The resulting model could explain 93% (p < 0.001) of D. pteronyssinus sIgE variability. Conclusions: Our population showed a seasonal pattern of D. pteronyssinus sIgE explained by relative humidity and solar radiation.

Keywords:
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Sensitization, Meteorological factors
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2012
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