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A novel strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis results from the innovative combination of antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid drugs. By combining two preparations with different mechanism of action, this novel approach facilitates quick and effective controls of all upper respiratory tract allergy symptoms. The article presents the results of a study of olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate fixed-dose combination (GSP301) administered intranasally from a spray formulation, with an attempt at positioning the treatment within the ARIA and EPOS guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters for the estimation of severity of allergic diseases. Aim: To determine the relationship between the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum and types of rhinitis. Material and methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, and Alternaria alternata were determined in the serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml or ≥ 0.7 IU/ml) were correlated to clinical diagnosis (types of rhinitis, skin-prick tests). Results: sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents with intermittent/seasonal allergic rhinitis and a negative skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with a negative skin-prick test (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Relating to allergens of D. pteronyssinus and cat dander, sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents with persistent/perennial allergic rhinitis and a negative or weakly positive skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with a negative or weakly positive skin-prick test (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Conclusions: The occurrence of intermittent/seasonal allergic rhinitis is much more probable in respondents with a negative skin-prick test, when IgE antibodies against the same allergen are detected. And the occurrence of persistent/ perennial allergic rhinitis is much more probable in respondents with a negative or weakly positive skin-prick test with allergens of D. pteronyssinus or cat dander, when IgE antibodies against the same allergen are detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters for the estimation of severity of allergic diseases. Aim: To determine the relationship between the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum and types of asthma. Material and methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, and Alternaria alternata were determined in the serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml or ≥ 0.7 IU/ml) were correlated to clinical diagnosis (types of asthma, skin-prick tests). Results: sIgE antibodies against any allergen were detected in 9.9% (classes 1-6)/7.6% (classes 2-6) of healthy respondents. Comparing sIgE antibodies of respondents with intermittent asthma to sIgE antibodies of respondents with persistent asthma, no statistically significant differences were identified. Relating to allergens of D. ptero nyssinus, cat dander, and A. alternata, sIgE antibodies were more frequently detected in respondents with atopic asthma and a negative skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with a negative skin-prick test (p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). Relating to allergens of D. pteronyssinus, cat dander, and timothy grass, sIgE antibodies were more frequently detected in respondents with atopic asthma and a weakly positive skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with weakly positive skin-prick test (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Conclusions: Regarding subjects with a negative or weakly positive skin test, when sIgE antibodies to the same allergen are detected, asthma is much more likely to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the Polish population, the most common cause of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the spring is birch pollen. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the basic characteristics of the birch pollen season in selected cities in central and northern Poland including Warsaw, Piotrkow Trybunalski, and Bydgoszcz in 2022, considering their clinical implications. Material and method: Pollen monitoring was conducted using the volumetric method with the Hirst-type continuous volumetric sampler. Measurements were taken in 7-day cycles, and the microscopic analysis was performed for each 24-hour period. Results During the studied period, birch pollen posed a threat in the 2nd and 3rd decades of April and the 1st and 2nd decades of May. The birch pollination intensity was reflected by the very high values of maximum average daily pollen concentration--4102 pollen/m³ in Warsaw, 4389 pollen/m³ in Piotrkow Trybunalski, 3832 pollen/m³ in Bydgoszcz and the sum of the average daily pollen concentrations (i.e. Annual Pollen Integral, APIn) from 32439 in Bydgoszcz to 37638 in Warsaw, and long periods of exposure to high concentrations (29-30 days). Conclusions: The pollen season 2022 is part of an alternating 2-year cycle of the birch pollen season intensity. The variability of parameters describing the dynamics of pollen seasons over years makes it necessary to monitor information on the pollen concentration in the air during the pollen season, both by the patients with inhalant allergy and their physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate the severity of allergic diseases. Aim: To determine the influence of gender, age and place of residence on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Material and methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (= 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated with answers to ECAP questionnaires. Results: IgE antibodies are less frequently detected in respondents living in the country (p < 0.05 to p < 0.005); and they are less frequently detected in respondents living in cities of hardly industrialised regions than in respondents living in cities of industrialised regions (D. pteronyssinus p < 0.05, cat dander p < 0.01). IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in men (p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents born in May-July (timothy grass p < 0.005, Alternaria alternata p < 0.005) and less frequently detected in respondents born in August-October (timothy grass p < 0.005, Alternaria alternata p < 0.05). Conclusions: Characteristics of the urban environment, non-specific factors and gender affect the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Influence of seasonal allergens within the first months of life and/or in the course of the foetal period alters the production of specific IgE antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the HYSPLIT model was used to reproduce birch pollen concentrations in Poland for the years 2015 and 2016, where there was significant variation in terms of pollen concentrations and start/end dates of the pollen season. The analysis of pollen observations showed that the seasonal pollen integral (SPIn) was low in 2015 with a shorter season compared to 2016. In 2016, SPIn was unusually high. The HYSPLIT model simulation, with a one-hour temporal resolution, was conducted during the birch pollen season (from March to May) for 2015 and 2016. Meteorological data were obtained from the WRF model. The birch coverage map of the European Forest Institute was used. The emission, introduced to the model, covered Central Europe with a resolution of 0.3° × 0.3°. The results were compared to data from 11 observation stations in Poland. The measured birch pollen concentrations for 2015 were overestimated by HYSPLIT at 8 of the 11 stations (normalized mean bias/NMB from 0.13 to 2.53) and underestimated for three stations (NMB from − 0.44 to − 0.15). For 2016, the model highly underestimated the pollen concentrations, with NMB ranging from − 0.45 to − 0.93. In general, the results show that the model can resolve the main peaks of pollen concentrations, which is a step forward in the application of the HYSPLIT model for birch pollen forecasting over Poland. We suggest the application of methods that can reduce the bias of temperature such as meteorological data assimilation or bias correction, which could improve calculation of the start of emissions and consequently the start of the pollen season as well as pollen concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects both the quality of life and daily functioning of a patient. Carefully selected personalized therapy determines good management of disease symptoms. In the latest update of the ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) guidelines, the algorithm for therapeutic management is based on the assessment of a patient’s condition with the use of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), therefore adopting an approach which involves either escalation (step up) or reduction (step down) of treatment. First-line drugs include: second-generation antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) and a combination of INCS with azelastine. Since the combination of INCS with intranasal H1 antihistamine drugs allows patients to benefit from therapeutic advantages of both drug categories, it is considered to be a universal treatment strategy. The combination of mometasone furoate with olopatadine hydrochloride is the latest therapeutic option in this drug category. These drugs prove highly effective and demonstrate a favorable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to airborne pollen allergens results in allergic symptoms in subjects who are sensitized. The paper presents diurnal variation in the counts of airborne allergenic pollen of selected trees (Betula L., Alnus Mill., Corylus L., Fagus L. and Ulmus L.) in two localities differing in the degree of urbanization: the city of Szczecin (urban) and the village of Gudowo, West Pomerania in northwest Poland (rural) in the years 2012-2014. The measurements were made by the volumetric method using a Burkardtype sampler operating in a continuous mode. The greatest similarities in the beginning of the main pollen season between the two sites studied were observed for birch and elm trees, while in the length of the main pollen season, for birch and alder trees. Pollen counts of alder and hazel reached higher levels in the rural area, while the levels of ash tree pollen counts were higher in the urban area. The level of birch tree pollen counts was similar in the two sites studied. For the majority of taxons observed in the urban and rural areas the dynamics of hourly changes in tree pollen counts were similar. The pollination peak was noted in the daytime, usually in the afternoon. For ash and elm trees increased pollen counts were observed at nighttime, while the birch tree pollen counts were at a high level for most of the 24 h cycle. The knowledge of seasonal and diurnal variations in tree pollen counts is crucial for prevention in patients with allergic rhinitis, sensitized to tree pollen allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Specific immunoglobullins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate severity of allergic diseases. Aim: To determine the relationship between the concentration of sIgE antibodies in serum and clinical outcome of allergic diseases. Material and methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, Timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 9 regions (ECAP study). Positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated with answers in ECRHSII and ISAAC questionnaires. Result: Ige antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents aged over 4 years when they had their first attack of asthma (cat dander p < 0.05, Timothy grass p < 0.05). IgE antibodies are less frequently detected in respondents aged over 29 years when they had the first allergic rhinitis as compared to respondents aged 0-19 years when they had the first allergic rhinitis symptioms (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Among respondents showing allergic rhinitis symptoms, IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents showing those symptoms from May to August (p < 0.05 to p < 0.005). Conclusions: The first attack of asthma appears later mainly in patients whose immune systems are more strongly stimulated by allergens. Development of allergic rhinitis in patients aged over 29 years presumably needs weaker stimulation of their immune systems by allergens than in patients aged 0-19 years. Stimulation of an immune system by different types of allergens modifies its response in such a way that seasonal (late spring and summer) factors increase probability of allergic rhinitis symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, allergies due to airborne pollen allergens have shown an increasing trend, along with the severity of allergic symptoms in most industrialized countries, while synergism with other common atmospheric pollutants has also been identified as affecting the overall quality of citizenly life. In this study, we propose the state-of-the-art WRF-Chem model, which is a complex Eulerian meteorological model integrated on-line with atmospheric chemistry. We used a combination of the WRF-Chem extended towards birch pollen, and the emission module based on heating degree days, which has not been tested before. The simulations were run for the moderate season in terms of birch pollen concentrations (year 2015) and high season (year 2016) over Central Europe, which were validated against 11 observational stations located in Poland. The results show that there is a big difference in the model's performance for the two modelled years. In general, the model overestimates birch pollen concentrations for the moderate season and highly underestimates birch pollen concentrations for the year 2016. The model was able to predict birch pollen concentrations for first allergy symptoms (above 20 pollen m−3) as well as for severe symptoms (above 90 pollen m−3) with probability of detection at 0.78 and 0.68 and success ratio at 0.75 and 0.57, respectively for the year 2015. However, the model failed to reproduce these parameters for the year 2016. The results indicate the potential role of correcting the total seasonal pollen emission in improving the model's performance, especially for specific years in terms of pollen productivity. The application of chemical transport models such as WRF-Chem for pollen modelling provides a great opportunity for simultaneous simulations of chemical air pollution and allergic pollen with one goal, which is a step forward for studying and understanding the co-exposure of these particles in the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The patterns of sensitisation to airborne allergens and their association with allergic diseases have been analysed in different geographical regions. Aim: To analyse the impact of sensitisation to airborne allergens on allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma in different age groups of the Polish population. Material and methods: Completed questionnaires of 18,617 subjects (53.8% females), collected within the ECAP, a cross-sectional multicentre study, were analysed. Three groups of respondents were included: 6--7-year-olds (24.2%), 13--14-year-olds (25.4%), 20--44-year-olds (50.4%). The clinical part (an anamnesis, physical examination, spirometry, skin prick tests and an assay of major airborne allergen-specific IgE) was attended by 25.7% of the respondents. Results: The AR was most strongly related to sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, with the highest odds ratios of 10 in two younger groups and of 16 for persistent AR in children. It was also the most important risk factor for allergic asthma, with odd ratios from 8.34 in children to 6.40 in adolescents. Sensitisation to grass pollen allergens was a major risk factor for both AR, with odds ratios from 9.16 in adults to 7.87 in adolescents, and asthma, with odds ratios from 6.16 in adolescents to 5.67 in adults. Conclusions: AR and asthma shared common risk factors, independently of age. Sensitisation to airborne allergens was significantly associated with asthma and, even more strongly, with AR, across all age groups. The AR was the strongest risk factor for allergic asthma in the youngest group. Persistent AR increased asthma risk more than intermittent AR in all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the known role of pollen allergens in causing allergy symptoms in sensitized individuals, there are few publications investigating the relationship between pollen exposure in different regions and the prevalence of inhalant allergy. Aim: To assess the association between the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma and the degree of exposure to pollen in various regions of Poland. Material and methods: Completed questionnaires of 9,443 subjects living in four urban centres (Wroclaw, Katowice, Warsaw, Bialystok), collected within part of the ECAP project, were analyzed. Children aged 6-7 (n = 2 278), adolescents aged 13-14 (n = 2 418), and adults aged 20-44 (n = 4 747) constituted 24.2%, 25.6% and 50.3% of the respondents, respectively. The clinical part (including skin prick tests, an assay of Timothy grass-specific IgE), was attended by 24% of the respondents. Data from 6-year pollen monitoring served to characterize birch and grass pollen seasons. Results: We found insignificant negative associations between the duration of birch pollen season and the prevalence of declared allergic rhinitis and asthma during the season across all age groups. There were insignificant inverse associations between the number of days with above-threshold and high grass pollen concentrations, total grass pollen count and the prevalence of declared allergic rhinitis and asthma during the season across all age groups. Associations noted in the clinical part were also non-significant; however, these trends were not uniform across the age groups. Conclusions: Our findings do not confirm the hypothesis of a positive association between pollen exposure and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Allergology / Alergologia Polska is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Background: Previous clinical trials with birch pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy have been conducted over a 1‐ to 2‐year treatment period and involved mostly a single geographic location. Objective: This study (EudraCT‐Number: 2005‐000025‐35) intended to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous immunotherapy with high‐dose hypoallergenic birch pollen allergoid in patients with confirmed moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis over a 3‐year course in 19 European centres. Methods: Adults with confirmed birch pollen allergy (n = 253) were randomized to preseasonal placebo (n = 129) or active treatment (n = 124). Primary endpoint was change in Symptom Medication Score after 2 years treatment (2007). Results: The change in Symptom Medication Score of active‐ vs placebo‐treated patients for the Full Analysis Set (n = 227, 15.2% reduction, P = 0.0710) and Per‐Protocol Set (n = 216, 16.7% reduction, P = 0.0523) showed a positive trend, although significance was not achieved. The primary endpoint, assessed in 2007, coincided with the lowest pollination during the study period. In a subgroup analysis of patients in the north‐eastern region (n = 102), where birch is the major tree and consequently patients' exposure is higher, changes in Symptom Medication Score (32.7% reduction, P = 0.0034) and median number of well days (P = 0.0232) were highly significant in favour of the active group. During the open‐label third year of treatment, the mean Symptom Medication Score of active‐treated patients was further reduced despite an increased pollen count. Subcutaneous immunotherapy was well tolerated and consistent with the known safety profile. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although the primary endpoint was not reached for the Full Analysis Set, a significant and clinically relevant effect on Symptom Medication Score was clearly demonstrated for the subgroup of patients in the north‐eastern region of Europe, where birch is the predominant tree species. Proving efficacy of birch allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy is challenging due to the numerous factors influencing birch pollen allergen exposure in field studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are common pathogens that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and ocular infections. They are divided into seven species containing 85 genotypes. Straightforward typing systems might help epidemiological investigations. As homologous recombination frequently shapes the evolution of HAdVs, information on a single gene is seldom sufficient to allow accurate and precise typing, and complete genome-based methods are recommended. Even so, complete genome analyses are not always easy to perform for practical reasons, and in such cases a multigene system can provide considerably more information about the strain under investigation than single-gene-based methods. Here we present a rapid, generic, multigene typing system for HAdVs based on three main deterministic regions of these viruses. Three PCR systems were used to amplify the genes encoding the DNA polymerase, the penton base hypervariable Arg-Gly-Asp-containing loop, and the hexon loop 1 (hypervariable region 1–6). Using this system, we typed 281 clinical isolates, detected members of six out of seven HAdV species (Human mastadenovirus A–F), and could also detect not only divergent strains of established types but also a new recombinant strain with a previously unpublished combination of adenovirus genomes. This strain was accepted by the Human Adenovirus Working Group as a novel genotype: HAdV-86. Seven strains that could not be typed with sufficient accuracy were also investigated using a PCR based on part of the fiber gene. By analysis of corresponding sequences of the 86 known HAdV genotypes, we determined that the proposed typing system should be able to distinguish all non-recombinant types, and with additional fiber information, all known HAdV genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate severity of allergic diseases. Aim: To determine the influence of allergy risk factors on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Material and methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 9 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥0.35 IU/ml) were correlated to answers in questionnaires ECRHSII and ISAAC. Results: sIgE are more frequently detected in respondents declaring an allergic disease of a father than of a mother (D. pteronyssinus p < 0.05, A. alternata p < 0.01). An early beginning to attend school, kindergarten or nursery increases the frequency of sIgE detection (p < 0.05). If the number of children who slept in the same room as a respondent before the respondent was five years old, was lower, sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected (p < 0.05). Relating to: 1) all 4 allergens, sIgE are the most frequently detected in respondents declaring absence of a carpet/rug at home (p < 0.05), 2) cat dander - less frequently detected in respondents who have a cat at home at the age of 1-4 years (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Carpets/rugs capture a portion of mite, epidermal, mould allergens located at home, wherefore absence of a carpet or rug causes greater stimulation of an immune system by these allergens,as a consequence, IgE antibodies are the most frequently detected in respondents. Household contacts of the respondents, at the age of 1-4 years, with cats induced partial immune tolerance to cat dander. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Allergology / Alergologia Polska is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The T allele of rs7927894 (at 11q13.5) was associated with atopic dermatitis and other allergic diseases. Our purpose was to replicate the association with allergic phenotypes and explore the role of rs7927894 in predisposing to persistent allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma. We also wanted to explore if other SNPs at 11q13.5 contributed to effect of rs7927894. We studied patients with atopic dermatitis (N = 270), atopic asthma (N = 486), persistent allergic rhinitis (N = 589) and controls matched for age, sex and region (N = 540, N = 372 and N = 1178, respectively). We found that rs7927894 T was associated with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.39, CI: 1.12–1.73, P = 0.003) and independently with persistent allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.24, CI:1.07–1.43, P = 0.0043, Pcorrected = 0.013) but not atopic asthma. Analysis of additional tagging SNPs (rs7930763, rs2513517, rs7125552) showed that effect of rs7927894 T was limited to haplotypes encoding G at rs7125552. In conclusion, rs7927894 T is associated not only with atopic dermatitis but also persistent allergic rhinitis. Since these effects are haplotype dependent rs7927894 alone does not account for the association between 11q13.5 and atopic dermatitis/persistent allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cysteine proteinases of Fasciola hepatica are important candidates for vaccine antigens because of their role in fluke biology and host-parasite relationships. In our previous experiments, we found that a recombinant cysteine proteinase cloned from adult F. hepatica (CPFhW) can protect rats against liver fluke infections when it is administered intramuscularly or intranasally in the form of cDNA. We also observed considerable protection upon challenge following mucosal vaccination with inclusion bodies containing recombinant CPFhW produced in Escherichia coli. In this study, we explore oral vaccination, which may be the desired method of delivery and is potentially capable of preventing infections at the site of helminth entry. To provide antigen encapsulation and to protect the vaccine antigen from degradation in the intestinal tract, transgenic plant-based systems are used. Methodology: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the protective ability of mucosal vaccinations of 12-week-old rats with CPFhW produced in a transgenic-plant-based system. To avoid inducing tolerance and to maximise the immune response induced by oral immunisation, we used the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBcAg) as a carrier. Animals were immunised with two doses of the antigen and challenged with 25 or 30 metacercariae of F. hepatica. Conclusions: We obtained substantial protection after oral administration of the plant-produced hybrids of CPFhW and HBcAg. The highest level of protection (65.4%) was observed in animals immunised with transgenic plants expressing the mature CPFhW enzyme flanked by Gly-rich linkers and inserted into c/e1 epitope of truncated HBcAg. The immunised rats showed clear IgG1 and IgM responses to CPFhW for 4 consecutive weeks after the challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of preventive immunization on the incidence of allergies in Poland. 18,617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 years old, 25.4% 13-14 years old, 50.4% 20-44 years old) were selected by stratified cluster sampling method in 8 cities and 1 rural area. 4783 of whom underwent objective outpatient screening assessments. Study subjects were evaluated for any association between preventive immunization against rubella, measles, typhoid fever, smallpox and incidence of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. There was no increased risk of allergy incidence in the majority of vaccinated subjects against rubella, measles, typhoid fever, or smallpox (OR from 0.42 (p<0.0001) to 1.34 (p<0.0001) with 95% CI from 0.27-0.65 to 1.19-1.50). Slightly increased risk of asthma was after vaccination against typhoid (OR=1.27; p<0.0001) and smallpox (OR=1.21; p=0.02). The risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) was also evaluated following vaccination against rubella (OR=1.34; p<0.0001), typhoid (OR=1.13; p=0.005), varicella (OR=1.18; p=0.003); rhinitis and AR following vaccination against measles (respectively OR=1.22; p<0.0005 and OR =1.21; p=0.0002). No higher risk of allergic diseases was demonstrated in vaccinated individuals diagnosed by doctor in an outpatient setting. These data do not demonstrate a causal relationship between vaccinations and allergic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Global epidemiological studies have revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To present the epidemiology of AD, risk factors and co-occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population. Material and methods: The present paper is a part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland study. We studied 22 703 participants by ECRHS/ISAAC questionnaire; 18 617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 y.o., 25.4% 13-14 y.o., 50.4% 20-44 y.o.) completed questionnaires were accepted. Four thousand seven hundred and eighty-three participants (25.7%) have undergone a medical examination. Results: Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 3.91% (6-7 y.o. 5.34%, 13-14 y.o. 4.3%, adults 3.02%), more often in females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77), in the cities (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.61-3.09), in mothers (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.72-2.48) and fathers (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.61-2.49) with atopy, higher education (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32) and economic status (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74). The highest prevalence was found in Katowice (4.89%) and lowest in rural areas (1.9%). Coexisting AD and allergic rhinitis (AR) was found in 26.17%, AR and asthma in 9.09% and AD, AR and asthma in 14.6%. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by allergologists in 6.5% (6-7 y.o. 8.7%, 13-14 y.o. 9.0%, adults 3.6%). Most diagnoses were made in Poznan (16.76%) and smallest in rural area (3.67%). 78.8% of subjects were diagnosed with AD for the first time although they had earlier experienced its symptoms. Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but the risk factor profile is similar to other countries. Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in well-educated females with atopic parents and high socioeconomic status and who live in a city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood [ ISAAC], The European Community Respiratory Health Survey [ ECRHS]) revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis ( AD). The aim of our study is to present the epidemiology and the risk factors of AD in a Polish population. A total of 18 617 subjects were selected. The sample included respondents in eight cities and one rural area each over 150 000 citizens. The study had two parts: (i) questionnaire survey conducted among all respondents (response rate, 64.4%); and (ii) allergological examination performed among 25.7% with skin prick test ( SPT) with 15 aeroallergens. AD was identified in 3.91% of subjects, more often in females, living in the cities, with a mother and/or father with atopy and with a higher education and higher economic status. Comorbidities of AD were atopic rhinitis ( AR) in 26.17% and AR and asthma in 14.6%. AD was diagnosed by allergologists in 311 subjects (6.5%). Positive SPT occurred in 66.9% persons with AD (house dust mite, 33.1%; grasses/crop plants, 30.6%). Of the patients, 9.5% with perennial versus 9.3% seasonal and 9.6% with polyvalent versus 9.0% monovalent sensitization had AD. AD prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but risk factor profile is similar to other countries. AD is more frequent in female, well-educated individuals, of high socioeconomic status, with atopic parents and who live in a city. Seasonal and monovalent atopy play a more essential role in subjects with AD compared with AR and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies based on the ISAAC questionnaire suggest a correlation between the use of antibiotics and the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children aged 6-7 years. The number of courses of antibiotic therapy is an important factor. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotics during the first years of life and the prevalence of allergy and asthma among children (aged 6-8 years) in the urban population of Poland. Materials and Methods: A survey-based study with a self-completed questionnaire. The respondents were parents of children aged 6-8 years living in Warszawa, Poland. 1461 completed questionnaires were collected. Results: Asthma was declared in 4.3% of the children. Wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi within 12 months before the study was observed in 13.5% of the cases. Asthma medication was taken by 21.8% of the children. Allergic rhinitis was declared in 18.7% of the children. Problems with sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion not associated with cold or fever were observed in 40.7% of the children. The analysis of the odds ratios between the use of antibiotics and the symptoms of allergic diseases revealed a clear correlation. The highest odds ratio was observed between the completion of over three courses of antibiotic therapy prior to the age of 12 months and the declaration of one of the following: asthma (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.6-12.01), wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 3.01-7.27) and taking medicines for breathlessness (OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 3.42-7.68). Conclusions: There is a direct relationship between antibiotic use in the first 3 years of life and asthma and allergy symptoms in children aged 6-8 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: FLG null variants of which 2282del4 and R501X are the most frequent in Caucasians are established risk factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) with an effect probably mediated through impairment of epidermal barrier. Among subjects with AD FLG defects are also consistently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) but it is less clear to what extent these associations are also present independently from skin disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of 2282del4 and R501X in predisposing to these allergic phenotypes in a Polish population. Methodology: 2282del4 and R501X were typed among 3,802 participants of the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey, a cross-sectional population-based study using ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires, and ambulatory examination. Principal Findings: The FLG null variants were associated with AD (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.20-3.36, P = 0.007), allergic rhinitis (in particular persistent form, OR = 1.69, CI:1.12-2.54, P = 0.011), and asthma (in particular atopic asthma, OR = 2.22, CI:1.24-3.96, P = 0.006). Association with atopic asthma (but not persistent allergic rhinitis) was also present in the absence of AD, (OR = 2.02, CI: 1.07-3.81, P = 0.027) as well as in the absence of AD and history of broadly defined inflammatory skin disease (OR = 2.30, CI: 1.07-4.93, P = 0.03). Association to atopic asthma would have not been found if diagnosis was made by questionnaire only (OR = 1.15, CI: 0.58-2.32, P = 0.8). We did not observe an association between FLG variants and allergic sensitizations (P = 0.8) or total IgE. (P = 0.6). Conclusions/Significance: In a Polish population FLG 2282del4 and R501X carriage increases risk for development of AD and atopic asthma (also in the absence of AD or history thereof). This suggests that interventions aimed at restoring epidermal barrier may have a general role in asthma prophylaxis/treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that one of the authors' name was spelled incorrectly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Links between multimorbidity of allergic diseases and allergen sensitization are still under debate, especially in adults. This study aimed to establish a relationship between polysensitization and allergic multimorbidity in children and adults and the allergens involved in multimorbidity. Material and method: A cross-sectional multicentre study enrolled children aged 6–7 and 13–14 years and adults aged 20–44 years from a Polish national cohort. The diagnosis of allergic diseases was made by a physician. Skin prick tests to 13 allergens and serum IgE levels to 4 allergens were tested. Results: Among the 3856 participants, single disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis) was diagnosed in 27.7% subjects and allergic multimorbidity in 9.3%. Allergic multimorbidity occurred more commonly in children than in adults (p < 0.01). Asthma or atopic dermatitis alone were not associated with polysensitization. Rhinitis and multimorbidity were associated with polysensitization. Allergic multimorbidity occurred in 2.2% of participants with negative skin prick tests, 9.8% of those with one positive prick test (SPT ≥ 3 mm) and 20.6% of polysensitized ones (p < 0.001). There was an increasing risk of multimorbidity depending on the number of positive prick tests for both SPT ≥ 3 mm (OR 9.6–16.5) and SPT ≥ 6 mm (OR 5.9–13.7). A statistically significant relationship was found between allergic multimorbidity and sensitization to cat and mite allergens. Conclusions: Multimorbidity is associated with polysensitization especially in children compared with adults in Polish population cohort. New insights into single disease patterns were found: bronchial asthma is the strongest risk factor for the development of multimorbidity in comparison with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]