Summary
Six hundred and forty-two persons with hobby-related (n = 205), occupational (n = 85), or environmental contact (n = 352) to the midge and larval allergen ChitI were studied. Frequencies of IgE-mediated sensitization in these selected populations were 36.1%, 24.7%, and 9.6% respectively. Occupationally sensitized subjects who had been heavily exposed showed higher levels of antibodies, were more frequently diagnosed as having bronchial asthma and less frequently as having conjunctivitis, and had a significantly shorter latency period when compared to environmentally exposed people or aquarists. Our results are evidence for a higher risk of sensitization and of bronchial asthma in highly exposed subjects.
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Baur, X., Liebers, V. Insect hemoglobins (ChitI) of the Diptera family Chironomidae are relevant environmental, occupational, and hobby-related allergens. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 64, 185–188 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380907
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380907