This study examined the genetic basis of sensitization to house dust mite allergy allergens. A genome scan was conducted using 603 microsatellite markers in 82 nuclear families (366 individuals) of German, British and Portuguese origin with at least two affected siblings. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was assessed by determining specific IgE antibody levels detected by immunochemiluminometric assay and immunosorbent assay and categorized as positive or negative relative to a predetermined cut-off point. (more…)
