Immunology Review Corner

By Thao N. Tran, M.D.
Stony Brook University Hospital- SUNY
Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology,
Karla Lowe, M.D., Walter Reed Medical Center; and
Todd Levin, M.D., University of Georgia


Questions

Chapter 34 - Indoor Allergens

1. Which of the following statements about indoor allergens is most accurate?
a. People living in newer, more airtight, homes have less indoor allergies.
b. Most indoor allergens are particles that are usually smaller than 10 micrometers.
c. Indoor allergens are major causes of allergic conjunctivitis.
d. Monoclonal antibodies are used to identify outdoor allergens, not indoor allergens.

2. Which of the following is a correct statement about Der p 1, an allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus?
a. Der p 1 is a 24-kD glycoprotein with sequence homology with cysteine proteinases.
b. Der p 1 has a 90 percent sequence homology and is highly cross-reactive to Der f 2.
c. Der p 1 has major sequence homology with Blo t 5.
d. Der p 1 and Der p 2 are considered group 1 mite allergens.

3. Where is the primary site of Fel d 1 production in cats?
a. The skin
b. The salivary glands
c. Serum
d. The nephron

4. What of the following is the most common source of indoor insect allergen?
a. Dust mites
b. May flies
c. Cockroaches
d. Crickets

5. For which of the following allergens has a concentration greater than 10 U/g of dust been associated with sensitization and disease?
a. Cat
b. Dust mite
c. Cockroach
d. Dog

6. Which of the following describes Der p 1 and other dust mite allergens:
a. Most particles are less than 5 micrometers
b. Airborne in undisturbed air
c. Has a sensitization threshold of 2 microgram per gram of dust
d. Found in most clinically significant amounts in carpets and couches

7. Which of the following is NOT recommended as an avoidance measure for cat allergens?
a. Wash the cat frequently
b. Reduce reservoirs for cat allergens (carpets, sofas)
c. HEPA filtration to remove small airborne particles
d. Treat carpets with benzyl benzoate or tannic acid

8. A high school student from Oregon with chronic rhinitis should receive which of the following allergen skin testing despite stating that his family “never owned any pets.”
a. Cats
b. Cockroaches
c. Rats
d. Feathers

9. Which of the following is NOT considered an enhancer of inflammatory responses?
a. Endotoxin
b. Diesel particulates
c. Cold air
d. Ozone

10. Which of the following allergens has been matched appropriately to a disease with which it has been associated?
a. Cockroach-asthma
b. Cockroach-atopic dermatitis
c. Cat-atopic dermatitis
d. Cockroach-chronic rhinitis

Answers
1. b, page 558
2. a, page 560
3. a, page 561
4. c, page 562
5. c, page 564
6. c, page 564
7. d, pages 566, 567
8. a, pages 565, 568
9. c, page 568
10. a, page 569