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Skin tests for the diagnosis of food allergy are useful studies in the daily practice of the Allergist, when well implemented they are an effective method to avoid unnecessary food restrictions. After the discovery of IgE, technological advances have provided new laboratory techniques for the quantification of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in serum and on the surface of basophil-mast cells. In vitro testing provides several advantages: accurate quantitation, lack of drug interference, safety, and long-term sample storage. Food atopy patch testing (APT) may provide additional information in patients with atopic dermatitis and other non-IgE-mediated food allergies; However, due to the variability in test results, it is not recommended to apply it in isolation, but rather in conjunction with other more standardized and validated evaluation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cow's milk protein allergy is the main allergic problem during the first year of life, possibly owing to immune and gastrointestinal systems poor maturation. To prevent allergic reactions, the content and type of proteins in infant formulas resemble those of breast milk. We believe that reactions are due rather to the amount than to the type of protein. Objective: To design a new formula with cow's milk that provides the infant with the main nutrients at an affordable cost and with lower risk for the development of allergies. Methods: Three-phase project: product design, industrial production and ex vivo assay to assess for anemia and type I allergic reaction by CD63 expression in basophils. Results: For every 100 calories, the content of protein was 2.0 g, carbohydrates 7.2 g and fat 0.5 g, which is higher than the indicated maximum value (4.5 g). Microbiologically, it was an innocuous food. CD63 expression was low in 57.1% of the babies and high in 42.9%. Conclusion: The new formula did not trigger any allergenic responses and can therefore be supplied to non-atopic infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) is a proved, highly effective treatment for respiratory IgE-mediated diseases. However, few studies have explored the immunological mechanisms of IT in patients with atopic dermatitis. Objective: To explore the immune response of atopic dermatitis patients receiving house dust mite (HDM) immunotherapy, according to humoral response and basophil activation. Material and method: An open label study was done which assessed the severity of atopic dermatitis with SCORAD in 20 patients (10 with immunotherapy and 10 without it) every three months during two years. Serum samples were taken before the follow up, and at the first and second year of study to analyze CD63 basophil expression, total IgE levels and specific IgE and IgG4 to Der p and Der f. Ten patients with allergic rhinitis receiving IT and 5 non-allergic subjects were used as controls. Results: CD63 expression after basophil stimulation with Der p was higher in atopic dermatitis patients than in rhinitis and non-allergic subjects. After the first and second year of treatment, CD63 expression was lower in atopic dermatitis active group than in the atopic dermatitis control group. We observed a correlation between SCORAD, IgG4 and CD63 expression. Conclusion: In patients with atopic dermatitis, basophil activation test could be a biomarker of clinical response and basophil modulation can result in a better clinical control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]