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Skin puncture test is fast and precise method for revealing IgE-mediated allergen hypersensitivity. In the diagnosis of pollinosis and other atrophic diseases, expensive tests for revealing the allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the serum are frequently inaccessible. The subject of our investigation was how and if the skin test with mixture of pollen could replace the expensive in-vitro method in diagnostic procedure. In 41 patients with pollinosis were performed skin tests by the mixture of pollen of grass, weeds and trees (produced by Torlak Institute, Belgrade) and determined the concentration of overall and allergen-specific IgE serum (EIA, enzyme immuno-assay, Pharmacia Uppsala; RAST Phadesim, multidisk, Pharmacia). Obtained results pointed out that the sex of investigated subjects did not influence the size of skin reaction in case when the pollen mixture (grass, weed or trees) was used. With high significance rate was established that in skin puncture test, just the size of the reaction, defined by 5 mm papule or larger, indicated the hypersensitive person. We consider that this can be taken as the diagnostic criterion and replace in-vitro method for determination of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in serum. Also, overall IgE of serum positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the size of skin reaction only in the persons with extremely high concentrations (RAST class 4) allergen-specific IgE antibodies in serum.

Introduction: The recently published data suggest that atopic patients have an enhanced ability to produce IL-4, even in response to antigens other than common environmental allergens or helminthic components. This aberrant IL-4 production by Th cells may be one of the immune alterations encoded by nonMHC genes in the control of basal IgE level [1-7]. The existence of atopen-CD4+ T cell clones that have diverse repertoires might be relevant for aetiopathogenesis of atopic diseases [8-10]. Being subjected continuously to the environmental antigens (allergens), the immune system, especially T cells, is permanently activated and stimulated in response to that challenge. Due to that, substantial amount of diverse cytokines (and their soluble receptors) could be found in the serum. Accordingly, it could be expected to find raised serum IL-4 concentration in atopic persons. In this study we investigated concentrations of IL-4, total IgE and allergen-specific IgE in sera of atopic persons susceptible to pollen allergens. The main goal was to estimate whether the immunologic profile of atopics is defined by increased serum concentration of IL-4 apart from total and allergen-specific serum IgE., Methods: Patients. We selected 9 atopic patients in the range of 19-35 years, susceptible to grass or weed pollens and suffering from allergic rhinoconjuctivitis. There were 6 females and 3 males (mean age 31.2 years). Atopic allergy was proven by clinical history, skin prick test and by means of in vitro test (positive serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies, RAST/radioallergosorbent tests [11]. As controls we randomly selected B blood donors (6 females, 2 males, mean age 31.3). Study design. The study was carried out from August till September 1995. None of selected patients had previously accomplished allergen-specific immunotherapy nor had been medicated by corticosteroids (topic or systemic) [12-15]. Selected persons were not allowed to take medications such as antihistamines, beta-2 agonists or tricyclic antidepressants at least 10 days prior to the study. We performed in vitro tests for determining concentrations of IL-4, total and pollen-specific serum IgE. Sera were sampled in the morning and were stored frozen at -20 degrees C until analysis. Determination of IL-4, total and allergen specific IgE in serum. Interleukin-4 measurement was carried out in blind fashion with an ELISA kit (Intertest-4 ELISA, Genzyme, Cambridge) according to the manufacturer's instructions. A reference curve was obtained by plotting the IL-4 concentration of several standard dilutions versus an absorbency. The determination limit was 0.045 pg/ml. For determining total serum IgE we used commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA Phadezym IgE PRIST, Pharmacia, Uppsala). Normal values was up to 120 IU/L (international unit per ml). Allergen specific IgE was determined by semiquantitative EIA method (RAST Phadezym, Pharmacia, Uppsala) and expressed in Phadebas RAST Unit (PRU) according to standard curve done by manufacturer. Study was carried out after approval of the Ethic Committee of our Hospital and with the obtained patients consents. For statistical analysis we used nonparametric tests (U-test and the Spearman rank correlation). For all comparisons, statistical significance was considered to be present if p < 0.05., Results: Among selected patients, 4 persons had high concentration of serum IgE antibodies (RAST class 4) against grass pollens, two persons had IgE-specific (RAST, class 4) to weed pollens and 2 patients had IgE antibodies (RAST class 4) against weed and grass pollens simultaneously. RAST of class 3 was registered in the serum of one person. Registered serum total IgE, allergen-specifc IgE and IL-4 are shown in Table 1. Serum IL-4 was significantly higher in atopics (U-test, SR 43.53, p.05) as well as total IgE (ER 493, p.05). In atopics, IL-4 was not in correlation with either total or allergen-specific IgE (IL-4 versus total IgE, p = +0.190;

Copyright of Indonesian Fisheries Processing Journal / Jurnal Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan Indonesia is the property of IPB University 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.)

Followed up are the changes in the number of monocytes under the effect of venal injection of an allergen from Salmonella abortus ovis to guinea pigs, sensibilized by live and killed cultures of the same Salmonella. After inoculation of healthy guinea pigs with a live culture, the number of monocytes doubles and remains at this level up to the 11th day after the infection. The killed culture of this Salmonella does not possess a similar action. A venal injection of Salmonella abortus ovis allergen to sensibilized guinea pigs, possessing a dermal-allergic reaction, leads to a marked decrease in the number of monocytes in the blood on the 2nd and 6th hrs after application of the allergen, while on the 24th h their number regains the level prior injection. The "disappearance" of monocytes from the peripheral blood is antigen-specific and the assumption is made that it is the result of the synthesis of the migration-inhibition factor in blood circulation at the contact of the sensibilized "T" lymphocytes with the specific antigen.

Studies were carried out to obtain an allergen of Salmonella abortus ovis and establish its chemical composition and diagnostic value with guinea pigs and sheep infected with the same causative agent. It was found that the allergen produced contained a great amount of protein (75 per cent), an essentially low amount of sugars (11 per cent), and a negligible amount of total phosphorus (0.85 per cent). It was also established that the allergen did not induce the production of antibodies in rabbits following intravenous inoculation, and did not give any positive allergic reaction in normal guinea pigs after intradermal application. It was shown to have a high diagnostic value, detecting some 87 per cent of the infected guinea pigs and 85 per cent of the infected sheep. The allergen also showed high specificity - it did not induce a positive skin reaction in guinea pigs infected with Y. enterocoli type 9, E. coli, and S. cholerae suis.

The tested allergen was obtained from a stable cell line FLK which produces leukosis virus type "C" for diagnostics of animal leukosis (cattle, sheep, pigs). It was found that the allergen is strictly specific and induces hypersensitivity of delayed type which is recorded best on the 24th h of injection. The most suitable site to inject the allergen proved to be the tail fold for cattle and sheep and the dorsal part of the ear--for pigs in dose of 0.2 cc. The allergen reaction correlates to a considerable degree with the serologic one (AGDS) but it does not detect all serologic reagents. It detects much larger percent of susceptible animal compared with the hematologic method. Data obtained give grounds to assume that the allergen reaction may be used for quick herd diagnostics of leukosis.

The aim was to compare the values of allergy biomarkers, total IgE (uIgE), specific IgE (sIgE) and specific IgE index (IsIgE) against the cocksfoot (Dactilis glomerata, Dac g) grass allergen and eosinophilic granulocytes in and beyond the pollination season. Children with confirmed hypersensitivity to cocksfoot allergens (N=80) were selected and divided into two groups. Group 1 included children examined during the pollination season (n=64) and group 2 children examined out of the pollination season (n=16). The concentration of selected parameters was determined by standardized laboratory procedures. The values of all allergy biomarkers tested, especially sIgE and IsIgE, were statistically significantly higher in the group of children tested during the cocksfoot flowering season as compared with the group tested out of the season (p<0.05). Consequently, correlation of the biomarkers was higher during the season of exposure to the causative allergen. In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that biomarkers of allergies, sIgE and IsIgE in particular, should be determined at the time of exposure to the Dac g allergen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common ragweed (Ambrosia atremisiifolia) is one of the most frequent causes of pollen-induced allergic reactions both in humans and dogs. It has not been defined yet, what is the major allergen(s) to which most dogs allergic to ragweed show a positive result on intradermal skin test (IDST). In the present study sensitization to Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis was examined with both in vivo and in vitro tests, including IDST and serum allergen specific IgE test. Detection of specific-IgE antibodies against ragweed allergens by immunoblotting in the sera of allergic dogs was optimized, as well. Dogs that were positive, as judged by IDST reactions to ragweed pollen allergens, also had alergen specific IgE antibodies in their sera. Results indicate that major allergens of A. artemisifolia pollen in dogs are Amb a 1 and Amb a 2. Further characterization of ragweed allergens is needed before they could potentially be used in intradermal testing or allergen immunotherapy in affected dogs. Also, we evaluated new Favrots diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis in dogs allergic to Ambrosia atremisiifolia pollen. It might be concluded that proposed criteria are of great assistance for seting up suspected diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis, after ruling out other pruritic dermatoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The aim of this work was to find out which of the aeroallergens most often cause positive skin prick tests in the population with allergic diseases. Depending on the type of allergens, exposure to them can aggravate asthma symptoms and cause allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis. Material and methods. A group of 100 people between 18 and 78 years of age were included in the study. The average age was 45.8 years. There were 34 men and 66 women in the group. All patients were allergy clinic patients. The results of point skin tests for the basic aeroallergen panel were analyzed in this study and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results. Sixty subjects had positive tests for dust mites. Most subjects were allergic to two allergens. Monovalent allergy was found in 10 subjects. Multivalent allergy was predominant, but tended to involve relatively few allergens. Conclusions. The results obtained may be due to year-round exposure to the house dust mite allergen. Prolonged allergen exposure translates into more frequent immune responses and greater clinical response of patients, which is manifested by allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma or allergic conjunctivitis. Due to the small patient population studied, this subject requires further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There are over 8 million dogs in Poland. Allergy to pets accounts for 2.5% of total allergy cases, while allergy to dogs constitutes 8% of the total pet allergies. About 6% of children with allergic rhinitis and 35% of the asthmatic children have positive SPTs to dog allergens. Avoiding of dog allergens is not feasible, since dog antigen is found at concentrations capable of producing allergic symptoms in all public places. There are 29 allergic proteins in dog hair, dander, urine, serum and saliva. Five major dog allergens have been identified: Can f1, Can f2, Can f3, Can f4. Can f5. Allergens Can f1 and Can f2 are found in dander, saliva and in skin. Can f3 is found in serum, Can f4 in hair, dander and skin. Can f5 is found in urine. Can f 1 and Can f5 are capable of binding 50-70% of IgE, while Can f2 and Can f3 bind 20-40% of IgE. Considerable differences have been observed in the quantity of dog allergens between various breeds, but it does not seem reasonable to regard any of the breed as hypoallergenic. Effect of influence of dog allergens and of being an owner of a dog on the development of allergy and asthma has not been yet clarified. Some authors stress the significance of constant contact with the animal and of breeding more than one dog at home. Up to now, it has not been possible to determine the effect of having a dog at home on development of allergy in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is a special type of anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions develop only when food is consumed with a cofactor. Cofactor of the reaction are exercise, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol and infection. The frequency of FDEIA is different in the geographical area of the word. The pathogenesis of food- dependent anaphylaxis induced by exercise or other cofactors is not fully understood. In this case, the cause may be increased permeability of the gastrointestinal epithelium and greater bioavailability of allergens, or an increase in plasma osmolality during physical activity. In practice, every allergic reaction can be amplified by cofactors. There are allergens, such as ω-5-gliadin, lipid transport proteins, and tropomyosin, for which their role seems to be particularly important. In many cases of FDEIA, the allergen causing the reaction is not identified. The gold standard for diagnosing food allergy is the oral challenge test. In the case of FDEIA, conducting them is a challenge due to the need to introduce a cofactor into the test. It is necessary to explain to the patient the nature of FDEIA and the allergens that sensitize him. The most important thing is to completely avoid eating foods that trigger reactions 4 hours before and 2 hours after exercise. Biological drugs may become a new treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Contact dermatitis (eczema), recognized as an entity even in ancient times of mankind's history reflects an inflammatory process which occurs in tegument by direct contact with noxious agents from the environment. Action subject to a variety of multiple pathogen factors, skin exercises different the role of barrier in the context of growing predisposing conditions. Contact dermatitis represents 4 to 7 per cent of the dermatological disorders, while skin diseases are responsibles for over half of the occupational conditions (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The year 2011 marks exactly 100 years since two articles by Noon, Freeman and Cantab, fundamental for allergen immunotherapy, were published in The Lancet. It is difficult to decide which of them was more important, because they complemented each other. Most authors writing about the beginnings of the allergen immunotherapy cite only Freeman and Noon, though. It is worth mentioning there had also been earlier attempts of desensitization, undertaken by Wiliam Philipps Dunbar, Charles Blackley, H. Holbrook Curtis, Aleksandr Besredka and others, and the method invented in 1911 has been improved ever since. Its anniversary was celebrated at this year's congress of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, in San Francisco, and during the Congress of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology in Istanbul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cat is one of the most common animals that people keep in their homes. Cat allergens are among the strongest and most common respiratory allergens. They can be found even in public places where cats have never been. Many people, with clinical signs of cat allergies, do not want to get rid of the cat from home, anyway. A hypoallergenic cat that would be a safe alternative to allergy sufferers is sought. Many myths and hypotheses have arisen around the problem of hypoallergenic cats, which have often not been confirmed by any reliable research. The paper attempts to present various theories about cats with low allergenic potential. It has been noted that strategies to reduce the allergenicity of cats focus on attempts to lower the Feld 1 concentration in the saliva of the cat, on its fur and in the animal's environment. Feld 1, the main cat allergen, is widely regarded as a marker molecule for allergy to this animal. This secretory glycoprotein is primarily produced in the sebaceous, salivary and anal glands. Then it is spread on the cat's fur by licking. Along with the fur and exfoliated epidermis, it easily spreads in the environment. Feld 1 is commonly present in house dust and air, both in the presence and absence of an animal in a given place. Among the methods to reduce the concentration of Fel d 1 in cat's saliva, on his fur or in his surroundings, such as cat breed, bathing the animal, proper diet or sensitizing the cat's own Fel d 1 has been described. The most attractive, effective and supported by research appear to be those in which the secretion of active Fel d 1 into the environment is blocked by specific antibodies. This effect can be achieved irreversibly by immunizing the animal with the Fel d 1 antigen, or reversibly by supplementing the cat's diet with avian anti-Fel d 1 antibodies. Both methods seem to be similarly effective, but given the animal's welfare, actions seem to be better whose effects are reversible. It is also worth noting that a cat that secretes less Fel d 1 can be hypoallergenic only for people who are allergic to this allergen, not for people who are allergic to other cat allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Glasnik Zastite Bilja is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. 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.)

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.)

Background: Serum specific immunoglobulin E (ssIgE) sensitization to common inhalant allergens has not been studied in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate specific IgE production of common inhalant allergens in patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in adult patients with respiratory allergy from September to December 2016 at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Patients were included if they showed at least one positive skin prick test (SPT) to environmental allergens. Serum specific IgE was assayed by using multiple allergosorbent methods. Inhalant allergens tested were dust mites, pollen, cockroach, animal dander, and mould. Serum IgE level more than 0.35 kU/L was considered positive. Results: One hundred subjects were enrolled (76% women). Dust mites made up 75% of sensitization, followed by cat/dog (31%), cockroach (27%), pollen (24%), and mould (6%). Almost all patients sensitized to cockroach, pollen, cat/dog epithelia and mould were also co-sensitized with dust mites. Twenty two percent of patients were negative to all tested allergens. Conclusion: IgE-sensitization to inhalant allergens varies widely in respiratory allergic patients. House dust and storage mites are the most common allergens. About one-fifth of the subjects did not show specific-IgE sensitization. Thus, this test should always be combined with SPT to diagnose allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Contact sensitivity is a latent state that lasts a lifetime with a clinically manifesting response in the form of allergic contact dermatitis that often has an unfavorable prognosis. In contact urticaria syndrome, can cause anaphylactic reactions. Exposure to irritants or sensitizing factors represents a major risk. Age and gender are not risk factors for contact sensitivity in themselves. A recent meta-analysis has shown that the prevalence of contact sensitivity in the general population is 20.1% and that 4 allergens from cosmetic products are among the top 6 allergens that cause contact sensitivity in the general population. Cosmetics products are responsible for more than half of all allergic contact dermatitis which mainly affects adults of middle and older age, who generally do not have atopy and whose occupations have low academic requirements. It is possible for a cosmetic allergy to develop even after years of using a cosmetic product without previous problems. Beauty products to watch for. Just because a label says that something is “dermatologist tested”, that is no guarantee that the product will be kind to your skin. There are no rules about these terms and criteria how to use them on a label. Ingredients that may cause allergy. Preservatives and fragrances are the most frequently detected allergens in those with an allergy to a cosmetic product. The future of allergen labeling. Allergens identified by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety need to be present on a label. Every cosmetic product placed on the European Union market must have a compliant product information and an International Fragrance Association certificate if contains fragrances. Conclusion. Because so-called “hypoallergenic” products are not necessarily less sensitizing, allergy departments should distribute lists of cosmetic products not containing the respective allergen(s) that consumers can use as safe alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Component-resolved diagnosis is a new in vitro diagnostic method in allergology that determines level of specific IgE antibodies to a particular allergen component (allergen epitope). Up to now, for determination of specific IgE we used allergenic extracts. Allergenic extracts are mixtures of allergens and other proteins, polysaccharides and lipids made by extraction from natural sources. The need for better standardization of allergen extracts has led to the development of purified allergenic extracts or allergenic components. They can be obtained by isolation from natural sources (natural purified allergens) or by production of recombinant DNA technology (recombinant allergens). Detection of sIgE on allergenic components can be performed individually (one sample - one analysis, singleplex analysis), or multiple (multiplex analysis) on microarray. So far, in clinical practice, we found component- resolved diagnosis to be particularly useful in distinguishing between primary sensitization to nutritional allergen and cross reactivity among inhalational and nutritional allergens and in risk assessment and prediction of severity of allergic reaction. In addition to nutritional allergy, the use of component - resolved diagnosis is now recommended in the diagnosis of allergy to venom hypersensitivity, for multiple sensitizations on inhalational allergens prior to specific immunotherapy, as well as in diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis. The aim of this paper is to present the principles of component - resolved diagnostics and the possibility of using it in allergic diseases diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is defined as the repeated administration of a specific allergen to allergic subjects with IgE mediated conditions, in order to provide long term relief of allergic symptoms and decreased inflammatory reactions during subsequent natural allergen exposure. Immunological changes during immunotherapy are complex and associated with the development of immunologic tolerance, change toward a Th1 lymphocyte cytoldne profile, increase in allergen --specific IgG4 level, and decrease in specific IgE antibodies. Numerous well-designed placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that SIT is effective in children with allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis, allergic asthma and in treatment of stinging insect hypersensitivity. SIT has also shown long term benefit following discontinuation, and to prevent the onset of new allergen sensitivities, as well as the development of asthma in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. A limitation of the subcutaneous injection route of immunotherapy is the risk of potential severe side reactions, which include anaphylaxis. Therefore, SIT should only be administered by trained staff, in an allergy clinic facility, with an appropriate observation area, with immediate access to adrenaline and other resuscitative measures. All patients should be observed in the clinic for at least 30 minutes after administration of the injections. There is a low risk of severe systemic reactions in selected patients with appropriately administered SIT. In asthmatics SIT should not be initiated unless the patient's asthma is stable and well controlled. In order to improve safety and convenience, alternative routes of immunotherapy and allergen extract modifications have been tried. High-dose sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been found to be effective in many studies in patients with allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Local side effects of itching and swelling in the mouth are trivial, and require no treatment or discontinuation of therapy. No serious side effects have been reported during SLIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollens from Ambrosia species have a strong allergenic potential and they represent a complex mixture of at least 52 different antigens. This weed is widespread in Serbia and has a long pollination period (appr. 100 days). Pollens are present in very high concentrations during the pollination season (up to 300 pg/m³ of air). Fifty dogs with a clinical diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and positive intradermal skin test (IDST) reactions to other environmental allergens were included in this study along with 30 dogs without clinical signs of CAD. Both groups were tested intradermally with Ambrosia artemisiifolia extract in concentration of 1000 PNU/mL (provided by ''Institute of virology, vaccines and sera - Torlak''). We have found that Ambrosia extract was second most common allergen to yield positive intradermal test reactions just after house dust mites. The positive reaction of IDST was observed in 66% of the atopic dogs and in 10% of clinically healthy dogs. Dogs that had a positive reaction on intradermal skin test to Ambrosia pollens, mostly showed secondary skin lesions on the pads and perioral skin. In 88% of cases, Malassezia pachydermatis have been isolated from the skin in an increased number and 64% of dogs had otitis externa. These results indicate, that allergens from Ambrosia artemisifolia are of great importance in the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs originating from the Belgrade region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitivity to cats fur alergen, Fel. d. 1 is presented as the second most important cause, after allergy to mites, of perennial atopic asthma. The authors collected the data from literature concerning the concentrations of Fel. d. 1 in homes and public places. Further the structure and production of Fel d. 1 also its cross reactivity and the methods of it's elimination from the environment are described and discussed. Authors own observations of 20 cases of cats fur asthma and atopic dermatitis support the opinion that only half of the patients suspect cats as the cause of their illness and cats fur sensitivity is always accompanied by inhalant or food allergy.

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Introduction: Skin tests are the most useful single modality for demonstrating an IgE-mediated mechanism underlying clinical symptoms. Skin reactivity to an allergen depends on person's exposure and genetic factors influencing the IgE response. However, the reproducibility of allergy skin tests has been shown to be variable depending, among other things, on the allergen extract employed and the kind of technique used. These variations have led to controversy regarding clinical relevancy of allergy skin testing [1-7]. We examined the relationship of skin-prick test and serum allergen-specific IgE in pollen susceptible adult persons. We estimated changes in the immediate skin reactivity to pollen-allergens by testing patients on more than one occasion: a) during and out of pollen season; b) before and after completing specific immunotherapy, and c) who had been tested with diverse concentrations of the same pollen-allergen. We correlated the degree of skin reactivity at the initial and subsequent testings with the aim of estimate diagnostic relevancy of such performed allergy skin testings., Material and Methods: Study was performed in 64 persons (aged from 17 to 43 years) suffering from rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma. They were diagnosed for the first time [8, 9]. None of selected persons had proven dermographism [1, 9]. Study protocol Skin prick tests were performed according to recommended protocol reviewed elsewhere [9]. Blood samples for total and allergen-specific IgE were taken in the morning on the test-day and sera were stored until analyses. Testing was performed with in house standardized extract of grass pollens (each of 5000 AU/allergy unit per milliliter): Dactylis glomerata and Phleum pratense and Lolium perenne (produced by Torlak Institute, Belgrade). Testing was performed in selected groups of patients: a) during and out of pollen season; b) before and after allergen-specific immunotherapy, and c) with three diverse concentrations of Phleum pratense allergenic extract (5000 AU, 7500 AU and 10,000 AU/ml). During the study a medication was not allowed at least 7 days prior to the skin testing (14 days for hydroxyzine). Alergen-specific IgE in serum (RAST) Determination of serum allergen-specific IgE was performed by using commercially available Pharmacia kit (EIA RAST Phadesim). For allergen-specific IgE results were expressed in classes (1 minimal to 4-maximal concentrations) determined by manufacturer. Study was performed under approval of the Ethic Committee of our hospital. For statistical analysis we used t-test and test of variance (ANOVA). Results were considered significant if p < 0.05., Results: Influence of allergen-specific serum IgE concentration on local skin reactivity was estimated in 23 persons (17 females, 6 males), and is shown in Table 1. The largest papule diameter was registered in high susceptible persons (RAST class 4). Influences of season when testing was performed and specific immunotherapy were estimated in 26 persons (19 females, 7 males) (Figures 1 and 2). The effect of diverse allergenic extract concentrations was estimated in 15 adults (9 females, 6 males, mean age 26.4 years) and results are shown in Figure 3., Discussion: In the study it has been shown that serum concentration of allergen-specific IgE positively correlated with the skin reactivity to pollen-extract. In addition, allergen specific immunotherapy as well as the concentrations of the used allergenic extract influenced significantly local skin reactivity. On the contrary, season when testing had no influence. According to our results, it seems that skin reactions (papule), equal or larger than 6 mm in diameter, could be of diagnostic value concerning pollen-monotest application (Table 1). Meanwhile, with significance of 95% we could postulate that in persons tested with the lowest concentration of allergen-solution (5000 AU/ml), skin prick reactivity defined by the papule of 4 mm or larger can replace in vitro

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has no clear recommendation for atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To evaluate the effect of AIT on house dust mites (HDM) in AD patients sensitised to HDM with different baseline molecular profiles of antigens. Material and methods: In this placebo-controlled study, 61 patients with moderate-to-severe AD allergy symptoms and HDM allergy were included. They received a 12 months' AIT with the use of HDM allergen extract or placebo. The authors adopted their AD improvement criterion after 1 year of AIT as a reduction of all examined indicators by at least 50% from the baseline for %BSA, TMS, and EASI scores. Additionally, the influence of individual HDM molecules on the final AIT effect was analysed. Results: Finally, from the 24 desensitised patients, 15 achieved a positive expected effect after 12 months of HDM AIT. None of the patients who received a placebo had an improvement in AD of at least 50% after 1 year of follow-up. Patients with polysensitisation less frequently achieved the expected HDM AIT effect than patients monosensitised to mites (p < 0.05). The presence of sensitisation to rDer p 1 (odds ratio = 4.35, 95% CI: 4.01-4.56) and/or rDer p 2 (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.98-2.33) and/or rDer f 2 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.55-1.78) molecules significantly increased the efficacy of AIT. HDM AIT could be helpful for patients with moderate-to-severe AD and sensitised to HDM as an add-on therapy. Various HDM molecules may affect the effectiveness of the expected AIT effect. The presence of sensitisation to rDer p 1 (OR = 4.35, 95% CI: 4.01-4.56) and/or rDer p 2 (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.98-2.33) and/or rDer f 2 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.55-1.78) molecules significantly increased the efficacy of AIT. Conclusions: HDM AIT could be helpful for patients with moderate-to-severe AD and sensitised to HDM as an addon therapy. Various HDM molecules may affect the effectiveness of the expected AIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food allergies have become more common in the last decade. Shrimp is one of the most dominant food allergy triggers in Asian countries, including Indonesia. After ingesting allergens, B cells will produce allergen-specific Immunoglobin E (IgE). In the sensitization period, repeated allergen exposure promotes Mast Cell (MC) degranulation in intestinal tissue and releases several inflammatory mediators, thereby causing hypersensitivity reactions. Shrimp Allergen Extract (SAE) is an immunotherapy and diagnostic agent currently being developed in Indonesia. In this study, we investigated the effect of SAE administration on eliciting an MC immunological response. Methods: Mice were divided into a non-sensitized and sensitized group. The non-sensitized group only received 1 mg of alum (i.p), whereas the sensitized group received 1 mg of alum and 100 µg of SAE on days 0, 7, and 14. Then, both groups were challenged with 400 µg SAE (p.o) on days 21, 22, and 23 following systemic allergic symptom observation. Results: We showed that SAE was able to increase systemic allergic symptoms significantly in the sensitized mice through repeated challenge (1.33±0.21; 1.83±0.17; and 2.00±0.00), compared to non-sensitized mice (0.17±0.17). Moreover, histopathological analysis showed that the SAE administration causes an increase of MC degranulation in the ileum tissue of the sensitized mice (44.43%±0.01), compared to non-sensitized mice (35.45%±0.01). Conclusions: This study found that SAE could induce allergic reactions in mice by influencing critical effector cells, MCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of ALEX2 Allergy Explorer test in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and clinical reactions to fish/shrimps was evaluated. We compared the results of specific IgE to allergen reagents (molecular components) and clinical reactions in the open exposure test (patient's history); the sensitivity was calculated with Fisher's Exact test (Rates and Confidence Intervals 95% C. I., value, lower, upper). Altogether 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined. We confirmed significant relationship between the results of specific IgE to allergen reagents (molecular components) of fish and the results open exposure test/history; the sensitivity is in the range of 33.3% (7.49%–70.07%)–44.4% (13.7%–78.80%). We did not confirm the significant relationship between the results of specific IgE to allergen reagents (molecular components) of shrimps and the results open exposure test/history; the sensitivity is in the range of 0%–40% (5.27%–85.34%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a clinical rhinitis phenotype characterized by the presence of nasal symptoms of AR in nonatopic patients with a negative skin prick test and undetectable specific IgE (sIgE) in serum against inhalant allergens but with a positive nasal allergen provocation test. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-month course of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for house dust mite (HDM) allergies in adult patients with confirmed LAR and concomitant asthma. The study was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with patients diagnosed with LAR to HDMs and with concomitant asthma who underwent a 12-month treatment course of SLIT for HDM allergies. Seventeen patients were randomized to SLIT with the use of allergen extracts of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae (50/50%) in SQ-HDM SLIT tablets and 15 patients were randomized to the placebo group. The total rhinitis score (TRSS), total asthma symptom score (TASS), combined total symptom score (TSS), total medication score (TMS), and FEV1 were analyzed. Results: In the final analysis, 16 patients who received SLIT and 14 who received placebo who completed the study protocol were included. Significant reductions in TRSS, TASS, TSS, and TMS after 12 months of treatment were observed in patients after SLIT (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the mean FEV1 between baseline and after 12 months of therapy was observed in the study, with p = 0.03 in the study group. Conclusion: SLIT can improve nasal and bronchial symptoms and reduce symptomatic treatment in patients with LAR and asthma and with hyperresponsiveness to HDMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing 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.)

Background: Allergies, including food allergies, are a considerable clinical and public-health problem. The introduced preventive measures and differential diagnostics, including oral food challenges, are the gold standard for determining further treatment planning. Case presentation: We present a case of an 18-year-old girl with a cow's milk allergy who underwent an oral food challenge (double blind oral food challenge). Such a challenge may be confounded by inducing a response from other systems and organs, which provides theoretical grounds for the use of other methods of assessing the body's response to food allergens (response demonstrated by the upper respiratory tract). Based on this idea, in order to assess the degree of mucosal response, we used optical rhinometry as an objective method for nasal patency evaluation, as well as identification of tryptase level in nasal lavage fluid and exfoliative cytology of nasal mucosa. The results of these tests confirmed positive reaction of the nasal mucosa in the course of the oral allergen challenge. Conclusions: The observed increase in the nasal mucosal reactivity that accompanies oral food challenges may suggest a potential for using food allergens in nasal allergen provocation testing in order to diagnose food allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society 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.)

Background: The relationship between the upper and lower airways is well known. Allergic rhinitis is considered a risk factor in asthma development, and is also co-morbidity in asthma. Family history of asthma is known as a risk factor in asthma developing. The aim of the study was aimed to evaluate the risk of asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis using exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). Methods: 34 pts with allergic rhinitis were evaluated with Nioxmino for measuring FENO. The medical history of each patient and also the five nasal symptoms score were evaluated. Skin pick test were performed for inhaled allergens (house dust mites, pollens, cat dander, dog dander, moulds). Results: 15 pts (44.11%) were women (sex ratio f:m = 1:1.26). Mean age of the pts is 28.77 ± 10.38 years. All patients were allergic, 52.9% polysensitized more than one allergen. It was found a significant statistical correlation between family history of asthma an increased values of FENO (p = 0.001). But between polysensitized patients and monosensitized patient there was no correlation with FENO (p = 0.19), and also no correlation of FENO and rhinitis symptoms score (p = 0.08). Conclusion: Increased values of FENO could be evaluated as a risk factor for developing asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis. In allergic rhinitis severities of symptoms score was not a predictive factor in developing asthma. There was no correlation between FENO and polysensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux is a frequent symptom of digestive tract diseases. The disease can be divided into primary reflux, which is due to antireflux mechanisms abnormalities, and secondary, in the course of other diseases (including allergy). The aim of study was to estimate the occurrence and clinical picture of food allergy in children and adolescents with acid gastroesophageal reflux. Material and methods: The study comprised 100 patients aged from 5 to 18 years with acid gastroesophageal reflux confirmed in 24-hour pH-metry. All patients underwent skin prick and atopy patch tests with food allergens (flour, cocoa, milk, egg white and yolk, apple, orange, celery, tomato). All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the results of skin tests: group I - with allergy (n=30), group II - without allergy (n=70). Results: Food allergy was identified in 30 (30%) analyzed patients with acid gastroesophageal reflux. The most frequent sensilizing food was: celery - 12 (40%), orange - 9 (30%), cocoa - 9 (30%), milk - 8 (26.7%), egg white - 7 (23.3%) and egg yolk - 6 (20%). 10 patients (33.3%) were sensitized to one allergen, 9 patients (30%) - 2 allergens and 11 patients (36.7%) - on 3 or more allergens. Among children with allergy the most common was positive atopy patch test (24 analyzed - 80%), 13 patients (43.3%) had positive skin prick tests. 7 patients (23.3%) had positive atopy patch tests and skin prick tests. Patients from group I had more frequentlt skin changes, diarrhoea and vomiting and more rarely fetor ex ore than patients from group II; these differences were statistically significant. Familial allergy was statistically significantly more common in patients from group I than group II. Conclusions: Frequent occurrence and varied clinical manifestation of food allergy in children and adolescents with acid gastroesophageal reflux justify allergological diagnostics, in particular in familial allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, with more present allergic component who cause disease. Pacient and Metods: In this study was included 35 patients who had been bronchial asthma whom was made total IgE determined by nefelometric metod and skin test by Prick metod. Subjects which had increased values of IgE, had been tested for fecal parasites . Subjects wich was positiv for scin allergens was tested for specific IgE on Hytec 288 instrument with ELISA metod. Results: Folowing resaults was obtained: 57.14% (20) of subjects had increased values of total IgE, while 42.86% (15) had normal total IgE. All patients with increased values of total IgE were tested negative for fecal parazites. Percent conform Prick tests and specific IgE was for house dust 54.55%, ragweed 53.85%, grass pollen 45.45%, Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus 43.75%, Pollen trees 25.00%. Conclusion and Discussion: Allergic bronchial asthma capture big percent in patients with bronchial asthma. The most frequent allergen was house dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medycyna Pracy is the property of Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Jerzego Nofera 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.)

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: Paraphenylenediamine (PPDA) is a chemical with strong sensitizing properties used for dyeing of hair and textiles. Paraphenylenediamine can cross-react, resulting in allergy to other related compounds. The prevalence of PPDA sensitization varies widely. The objectives were to assess the frequency of positive patch test reactions to PPDA and related chemicals among patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and to analyze them regarding their clinical pattern, occupation and cross-reactions.Material and Methods: The sociodemographic and clinical data of patients with positive patch tests to PPDA, N-isopropyl-N-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (IPPD), ethylenediamine (EDA), triethylenetetramine (TETA) and toluene-2,5-diamine (TDA) were analyzed. The frequency, strength and cross-reactions with other chemicals were assessed.Results: Of 4087 ACD patients patch-tested between 2006 and 2015, positive reactions to PPDA and other amines were found in 166 (4.1%). The occupational character of PPDA allergy was established in 34.3% of patients. Personal history of atopy was reported by 36.7% of patients. In 98% of those examined, allergy presented as ACD, most frequently affecting hands. Hypersensitivity to PPDA was diagnosed in 77.1%, to IPPD in 20.5%, to TDA in 6%, to TETA in 1.2%, and to EDA in 0.6% of cases. The patients with an extremely strong PPDA reaction significantly more frequently showed reactions to other para group chemicals, especially to benzocaine.Conclusions: Paraphenylenediamine was a major cause of contact allergy of diverse clinical picture more often affecting women, especially with atopy. Every fifth PPDA-allergic person exhibited hypersensitivity to other related compounds. Strong reactions to PPDA increased the risk of cross-reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Journal / Sestrinski Glasnik is the property of Croatian Nurses Association 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.)