Specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to citrus red mite in citrus farmers: a study of their relationship to respiratory symptoms.

Citrus red mite (CRM) is known as the most common sensitizing allergen in subjects with asthma and rhinitis working on citrus farms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of specific IgG1 (slgG1) and specific IgG4 (slgG4) to CRM in citrus farmers. Questionnaire survey and skin prick test including CRM antigen was done by 136 workers. Specific IgE (slgE), slgG1 and slgG4 to CRM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRM-sensitive-asthma was diagnosed upon presence of asthmatic symptoms by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and slgE to CRM. CRM-sensitive rhinitis was diagnosed upon presence of rhinitis symptoms and slgE to CRM. Eleven (8.1%) had CRM-sensitive asthma and 25 (18.4%) had CRM-sensitive rhinitis. Significant association was noted between presence of asthmatic symptoms and slgE or slgG4 (p<0.05, respectively), while no significant association was noted in slgG1 (p>0.05). Significant association was noted in the prevalence between slgG4 and slgE (p<0.05), while no significant association was noted between slgG1 and slgG4 or slgE (p<0.05, respectively). There was a significant correlation between slgE and slgG4 level (r=0.39, p<0.05). These findings suggest that the presence of slgG1 to CRM is response to CRM exposure, and further studies will be needed to evaluate the role of slgG4.