D2.486 - Levels of house dust mite in dust settlements are associated with risk for allergic rhinitis in children

Allergic asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in chidlhood and is often accompanied by allergic rhinitis. House dust mites are a major source of indoor allergens and have been implicated in the development and exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases in children, yet exposure–disease relationships remain inconsistently characterized.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of indoor dust mite levels (in dust) on the risk for allergic diseases in children.

207 participants (aged 5-18 years, allergic and non-allergic controls) were recruited to the observational study as part of the Horizon EDIAQI project. Participants underwent skin prick testing to a standard palette of inhaled allergens, blood sampling sIgE detection and lung function tests. Dust samples were collected by vacuuming the participant`s matress for 5 min using an external filter attached to the household vacuum cleaner. Dust samples were weighed and resuspended in 1x PBS (0,02 ml per mg of dust), incubated at RT for 2 h, 1400 rpm, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 min, 10 min, 4°C. The supernatant was carefully collected not to disturb the pellet and then centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 5 min at 4°C. The supernatant was again collected and stored at -20°C until futher analysis. Major house dust and storage mite allergen concetrations were measured using the ELISA 2.0 Der p1 and Der f2 kits (InBio Biotechnologies).

House dust mite levels (Der p1) were higher in participants with allergic rhinitis (AR), p= 0,002. Additionally, for every 10 ng/ml increase in Der p1 concentration, there was a 10% increase in the risk for AR (p=0.036; Exp(B)=1.01 ; 1.001<95% C.I.< 1.019). Storage mite levels did not differ between allergic and non-allergic participants, and those with or without specific allergic disease manifestations.

Higher indoor house dust mite exposure, particularly Der p1, was associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis in children, highlighting its potential role in allergic airway disease. These findings support the importance of targeted indoor allergen control strategies in the prevention and management of pediatric allergic rhinitis.