Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in adults with atopic dermatitis

December 28, 2007

A study in 109 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients attempted to determine the allergic mechanisms of hypersensitivity to selected aeroallergens. The highest incidence of positive results was to house dust mite allergens; allergic mechanisms were found in 85.3% of patients. In terms of immunological mechanisms, type I reactions were found in 30.2%, types II and IV in 9.2% and type IV only in 1 patient. In 14.7% of patients all the tests were negative. The percentage of positive results to birch pollen, grass pollen and cat dander was 45%, 44.1% and 53.2%, respectively (Samochocki, Z. et al. Eur J Dermatol 2007, 17(6): 520-524).