The evaluation of skin prick test in house dust mite allergy in Calcutta, India.

Immediate type allergy towards house dust and house dust mites was measured in 188 dust-sensitive asthmatic patients in and around Calcutta by using the skin prick test. Of the 131 positive patients, 82% reacted to Dermatophagoides mites, 80% to D. farinae, 46% to D. pteronyssinus, and 43% to both species of mites. Sixty-two per cent of the positive patients showed strong skin reaction to D. farinae as compared to 32% to D. pteronyssinus. Skin reaction (positive/strong) was highest in D. farinae as compared to other allergens tested in the present study. Skin test results were also analysed in relation to patients' age, sex and duration of disease.