Comparison of Methods for Measuring House Dust Mite Allergens

Ha, Jong Mok; Kim, Sang Won; Kim, Ji Hyun; Lim, In Seok; Shin, Mee Yong; Han, Young Shin; Ahn, Kang Mo; Lee, Sang Il

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of semiquantitative tests targeting house dust mite (HDM) allergens.
METHODS
Thirty-nine dust samples were collected from the homes of 14 patients. These samples were evaluated using the following semi-quantitative tests: Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R), Acarex(R), Mitey checker(R), and SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R). The samples were then assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Der p 1, Der f 1 and group 2 allergens. Finally, the results from the 4 kits were compared and the correlation with ELISA was determined.
RESULTS
Concentrations of HDM allergens determined using Acarex(R) were associated with those of SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R) and Mitey checker(R), (P=0.004 and 0.035, respectively; rho=0.454 and 0.339, respectively). The concentrations determined by SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R) were associated with those of Mitey checker(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.000 and 0.001, respectively; rho=0.664 and 0.518, respectively). There was also a significant correlation between the results obtained using Mitey checker(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.000, rho=0.602). The Der f 1 levels were associated with the concentrations determined by SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R), Mitey checker(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.003, 0.000 and 0.005, respectively; rho=0.467, 0.544 and 0.438, respectively). Group 2 allergen levels were associated with the concentrations determined by SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.019 and 0.038, respectively; rho=0.374 and 0.334, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Four popular semiquantitative test kits may be adequate for detecting HDM allergens at home. However, quality assurance is needed for clinical usage because they showed variable sensitivity and specificity.