Pathogenesis (development of disease)
House dust allergy is caused by the feces of mites of the genera Dermatophagoides (house dust mite) and Pyroglyphidae (storage mites).The house dust mite feeds on skin scales. For this reason, they are found mainly in beds and upholstered furniture.
The allergen leads to an allergy of the immediate type (synonyms: Type I allergy, Type I allergy, Type I immune reaction, immediate allergic reaction). This is characterized by a rapid reaction of the immune system (within seconds or minutes) upon second contact with the allergen.The initial contact, which is usually asymptomatic, is called sensitization. Here, T and B lymphocytes independently recognize the antigen in question.
The secondary reaction is IgE-mediated. Here, the allergen binds to the IgE present on the mast cells and histamine is released. Furthermore, inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes are released in the process.
