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Objectives. –Studies performed to assess the diagnostic value of tests for hymenoptera allergy are usually designed to validate the test whereas very few have evaluated these tests in routine diagnostic situations. In fact, the diagnostic value of such tests, especially skin prick-tests and basophil histamine release, has rarely been studied systematically in patients referred by their physician to an allergist for confirmation of the diagnosis and recommendations for immunotherapy. The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of skin prick-tests, specific IgE assay and basophil histamine release in patients referred to an allergy unit for suspected hymenoptera venom allergy. Patients and methods. – Diagnostic tests were done prospectively in 25 consecutive patients with allergic reactions to hymenoptera venom defined by clinical history and positive intradermal skin tests, including patients with a localized or a more extensive skin reaction associated with malaise and/or respiratory symptoms, and in 21 control subjects. The hymenoptera studied included yellow jacket (YJ) and honeybee (HB). The sensitivity, specificity, concordance and predictive values of the tests were calculated.Results. – The observed sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negatives predictive values of skin prick-tests with 100 μg/mL HB venom (in percent) 33.3; 100; 100; and 85.7, respectively, and with 100 μg/mL YJ venom 30; 100; 100 and 85, respectively. For skin prick-tests with 300 μg/mL HB venom the values were 75; 100; 100 and 94, respectively and for skin prick-tests with 300 μg/mL YJ venom 57; 100; 100 and 90.3, respectively. For specific IgE assays, the values for HB were 100; 95.2; 84 and 100, respectively and for YJ 100; 76.2; 51.2, and 100, respectively. For basophil histamine release the values for HB were 89; 100; 100 and 97.3 for YJ they were 94; 89, 6 and 98.4, respectively. Conclusions. – Skin prick-tests with venom concentrations under 300 μg/mL are not sensitive enough for an accurate diagnosis of hymenoptera allergy. Basophil histamine release appears to be a good complementary test but it needs better standardization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses a study which examined the effect of interferon (IFN)-α 2a on alveolar echinococcosis lesions and the production of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a patient who received IFN-α 2a treatment for concomitant chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis C virus.

In Algeria, cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious economic and public health problem. The common sheep/dog cycle is usually considered as the major source of human contamination. But to date the main strain of Echinococcus granulosus involved in the human contamination and the role of other hosts are still unknown. This paper reports an original work performed in northern Algeria combining field observations and molecular analysis. In a first step, examination of 6237 carcasses in slaughterhouses showed high infection and fertility rates in cattle and dromedaries. Then, in a second step, we used a molecular biology approach to identify the E. granulosus strain(s) involved. Forty-six samples from various origins were collected. They were analysed using comparison of PCR-amplified DNA sequences with one genomic (BG 1/3) and two mitochondrial (COI and NDI) targets. Results show the presence of a “sheep” strain of E. granulosus in North Algeria circulating between cattle and ovines and infectious to humans, whereas in South Algeria, a “camel” strain and a “sheep” strain were found to circulate in camels and in sheep, respectively. This study also reports an ambiguous genotype which resembled the “sheep” strain genotype (Gl) on the basis of the partial COI gene sequence, whereas on the basis of the partial NDI gene sequence, it was similar either to the “sheep” strain (Gl) or to the “camel” strain (G6). Besides its basic interest, our study confirms the role of other hosts (mainly cattle) in leading to transmission to humans and suggests that control measures should not only target sheep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]