Authors: Ribas, Andrés; Martínez-Girón, Rafael

Source: Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 27, Number 5, September-October 2006 , pp. 347-349(3)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

The presence of mites in sputum smears has been described with possible implications through direct action of dust mites inside the lungs and of the possibility of them being a causal factor in asthma. Because of the impact and frequency of allergic respiratory diseases associated with exposure to dust mites, we examine extracts of the intestinal content of dust mites to find a special factor to link the allergic respiratory diseases and the dust mites. We examined 600 slides of household dust with an average of 5 (3-8 mites) mites being observed on each, ∼3000 mites in all. Among the remains of intestinal contents of the mites, the presence was observed of various protozoal forms with filiform projections. These forms were very similar in morphology to those previously observed by us, under the same conditions of phase contrast, in the sputa of asthmatic patients and the nasal extrusions of patients with allergic rhinosinusitis. The discovery of these protozoal forms may be the nexus necessary to connect these diseases with the arthropods mentioned.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/aap.2006.27.2878

Publication date: 2006-09-01

More about this publication?

• Allergy and Asthma Proceedings is a peer reviewed publication dedicated to distributing timely scientific research regarding advancements in the knowledge and practice of allergy, asthma and immunology. Its primary readership consists of allergists and pulmonologists.
  
  The goal of the Proceedings is to publish articles with a predominantly clinical focus which directly impact quality of care for patients with allergic disease and asthma.
  
  Featured topics include asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, food allergies, allergic skin diseases, diagnostic techniques, allergens, and treatment modalities. Published material includes peer-reviewed original research, clinical trials and review articles.
  
  The journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index Expanded, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service.
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