Characterization of house dust mite and scabies mite allergens by use of canine serum antibodies

Objective-To identify the major allergenic proteins from the 3 main species of dust mites to which dogs react (Dermatophagoides farinae, D pteronyssinus, and Euroglyphus maynei) and evaluate the potential crossreactivity of dust mite allergens with antigens from the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var canis. Sample Population-Sera from 83 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Procedure-Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting using serum from atopic dogs was used to identify IgE-binding proteins in extracts of the 4 mite species. Results-Sera of atopic dogs contained IgE against 23, 17, 25, and 17 allergens from D farinae, D pteronyssinus, E maynei, and S scabiei, respectively. Unlike the situation for humans, the major allergens for dogs are mostly proteins that are larger than 90 kd molecular weight. Dermatophagoides farinae and E maynei appear to be more allergenic for dogs than is D pteronyssinus. Some dogs with serum IgE against dust mites also had IgE against antigens of S scabiei var canis. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Multiple dust mite allergens induce an IgE response in dogs. These allergens are mostly greater than 90 kd molecular weight.