Association of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific immunoglobulin epsilon with atopy, age, and gender in a Filipino population

Background: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), with its major allergen Der p 2, triggers allergy symptoms in various populations worldwide, but their IgE-binding properties among Filipinos remain limited. Objectives: This study investigated the IgE reactivity of Dp and its major allergen rDer p 2 in a cohort of allergic and nonallergic Filipinos from Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Methods: Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, total IgE (n = 960), Dp-specific IgE (n = 247), and rDer p 2-specific IgE (n = 90) levels were determined. The odds ratio was used to determine the association between Dp and rDer p 2 specific IgE among selected demographic variables. An inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the inhibition of rDer p 2 against Dp allergen extract. Results: Among 171 allergic cases, mean IgE levels were significantly higher ( P < 0.01) than in 76 nonallergic controls. Of the allergic cases, 85 individuals (49.71%) were sensitized to Dp allergens, with 68.89% of these also displaying sensitization to rDer p 2. On average, rDer p 2 inhibited IgE binding to Dp allergens by approximately 36%. Significant associations were found between Dp sensitization and age ( P < 0.01), male gender ( P = 0.01), and between rDer p 2-sensitization and atopy ( P = 0.01). Conclusion: This study has shown the importance of Dp extract and its major allergen rDer p 2 as a source of allergen that sensitizes atopic Filipino individuals. Consequently, the inclusion of Dp and rDer p 2 in the panel of reagents utilized in immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic strategies and interventions for the local Filipino population sensitized to house dust mites is highly recommended.