Comparative characteristics of molecular profiles of sensitization to house dust mite components in children in two regions of the Russian Federation

Background: Climatical, geographical and social conditions are key environmental factors that influence allergen exposure across countries and continents. Differences in these factors within a single country can influence the profile of dust mite sensitization.

AIM: To compare molecular profiles of sensitization to house dust mite components in a population of children living in regions of Russia with different socio-economic factors and climatic and geographical conditions.

Methods: A comparative analysis of specific immunoglobulin E levels to natural and recombinant house dust mite allergens was performed using the ALEX² high-precision molecular allergy diagnostics method in children with previously identified sensitization to house dust mite allergen extracts using skin testing or specific immunoglobulin E determination using the ImmunoCAP method, permanently residing in the Moscow Region or the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

Results: The study included 80 children (61 boys, 19 girls) aged 7–14 years (mean age 11.2 ± 1.8 years) with established sensitization to house dust mites, living in the Moscow Region (n = 40) and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (n = 40). Statistically significant differences in the frequency of detection of specific immunoglobulin E to the studied allergen components (Der p 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 23; Der f 2; Blo t 5, 10; Gly d 2; Lep d 2) were noted for the components Der p 2 (77.5 % in Moscow Region vs. 92.5 % in Kabardino-Balkarian Republic; p < 0.05); Der p 10 (17.5 % vs. 5 %; p < 0.01); Der p 23 (42.5 % vs. 57.5 %; p < 0.05) and Gly d 2 (27.5 % vs. 37.5 %; p < 0.05). When comparing the levels of specific immunoglobulin E, statistically significant differences were also found (p < 0.05): children from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, compared to children from the Moscow Region, had significantly higher levels of specific immunoglobulin E to Der p 1 (20.51 ± 3.06 vs. 9.44 ± 1.94 kUA/L); Der p 20 (29.25 ± 7.33 vs. 3.43 ± 1.50 kUA/L); Der p 21 (21.07 ± 4.25 vs. 10.17 ± 3.13 kUA/L) and Blo t 5 (8.12 ± 3.15 vs. 2.61 ± 0.84 kUA/L). On the contrary, the level of specific immunoglobulin E to Blo t 10 was higher in the Moscow Region group (24.12 ± 10.14 vs. 7.93 ± 5.03 kUA/L). No statistically significant intergroup differences were found for the remaining allergen components.

Conclusion: Children from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic had a significantly higher frequency of specific immunoglobulin E to clinically relevant components (Der p 2 and Der p 23), as well as higher specific immunoglobulin E levels to Der p 1, Der p 20, and Der p 21. These findings require confirmation in larger patient cohorts.