Search

Introduction: Allergen distribution varies geographically, and local epidemiological data can guide disease prevention and management. We investigated allergen sensitization among patients with three types of allergic skin disease in Suzhou, East China, from 2021 to 2023. Methods: Serum-specific immunoglobulin E levels were analyzed from 4,603 patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2021 and December 2023. Sensitization prevalence of 20 allergen species was assessed, considering age, sex, year, and disease type. Results: Common aeroallergens included Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and house dust, while major food allergens were soybean, egg, and crab. Children exhibited higher sensitization rates, with males more sensitized to D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Alternaria, and milk, and females more sensitized to Blattella germanica and egg. Compared with previous years, sensitization rates for soybean and milk decreased in 2023, whereas those for D. farinae and crab increased. Patients with atopic dermatitis had the highest overall sensitization rates. Conclusion: Allergen sensitization patterns in Suzhou varied by age, sex, year, and disease type. Understanding these patterns can help improve the management of allergic skin diseases in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The meticulous management of risk factors is paramount in the effective control of allergic rhinitis (AR), playing a significant role in diminishing both the direct medical expenditures and the indirect economic impacts associated with the condition. Presently, there is a notable deficiency in research concerning the risk factors for severe AR, as well as the correlation between serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels and the severity of AR symptoms. Methods: The study utilized data from a cross-sectional epidemiological survey conducted in Guangzhou, China, from April 2023 to March 2024, involved 638 AR patients. We used Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores to assess the severity of AR. Data of daily risk factors were collected through face-to-face questionnaires, and serum sIgE levels were measured using the AllergyScreen assay (Mediwiss Analytic GmbH, Moers, Germany). A generalized linear model was used to investigate the associations. Results: Our findings indicate that patients with severe AR exhibited more unhealthy lifestyle habits and lived in high-risk environments compared to non-severe patients. Physical activity more than three times per week was associated with a reduced risk of severe symptoms (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.82). Frequent indoor cleaning also lowered the risk of severe AR (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.87). Additionally, a one-level increase in serum sIgE was linked to higher odds of severe AR (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.43) after adjusting for risk factors. Conclusion: Severe AR is associated with poor household cleaning and less exercise. Higher serum sIgE levels correspond to a higher risk of severe AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) multimorbidity may need to be considered a specific disease because of distinct clinical and immunological differences from AR alone. Allergic multimorbidity often involves polysensitization, where allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a significant role. Objective This study aims to explore differences in allergen IgE sensitization patterns between AR alone and AR multimorbidity. Methods A real‐world case‐control study was conducted with patients diagnosed with AR. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the associations between AR multimorbidity and allergen sensitivity, allergen‐specific IgE levels, and the count of positive allergens. Results A cohort of 2275 patients with AR was included, of which 1100 (48.4%) presented with AR alone, while 1175 (51.6%) exhibited AR multimorbidity. Patients with AR multimorbidity had a more diverse allergen profile than those with AR alone. An increased number of positive ingested allergens had a higher odds ratio (OR) for AR multimorbidity compared with inhaled allergens (1.46 vs. 1.96) across all phenotypes. Sensitization to allergens and their allergen‐specific IgE levels, including dust mites, cat dander, and milk (p

Purpose: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement or swelling of the tonsils. The role of allergy in ATH has not been persuasively evidenced. Therefore, we investigated the state of humoral immunity and the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in tissues and sera in children suffering from TH. Methods: According to the skin prick test (SPT) result, 44 ATH children were divided into the atopic and non-atopic groups. The level of sIgE against 30 inhalants and food allergens in the sera and tissue homogenates was measured by a commercial allergy immunoblotting kit. In addition, we evaluated the following variables in both tonsillar tissue homogenates and serum: total IgE, IgA, IgM, IgG, and tissue eosinophil counts. Results: Our results showed that 21 (47.7%) of patients with ATH were sensitized to at least one allergen in the adenotonsillar sample and/or sera. Only two patients were negative for sIgE in the atopic group, but in the non-atopic group, only one had positive sIgE results. In the atopic group, 19 (86.4%) patients had positive sIgE in tonsillar tissues, and 18 (81.8%) had sensitized serum. There were no statistical differences in the case of other antibodies except IgE levels between the two groups. The average eosinophilic count was significantly higher in atopic patients than in the non-atopic group. Conclusion: The results of this study support the role of allergy in the pathogenesis of ATH and confirmed local allergic inflammation in tonsillar tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat atopic dermatitis, on food-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels in pediatric patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The study found that dupilumab led to a significant decrease in sIgE levels for various food allergens in these patients. This research is valuable for understanding the potential benefits of dupilumab in treating food allergies in young patients with atopic dermatitis. However, more research is needed to fully comprehend the effects of dupilumab in pediatric patients. [Extracted from the article]

Uvod: Cilj je bio da se istraži prediktivna vrednost specifičnog imunoglobulina E (sIgE), interleukina-6 (IL-6) i regulatornih T ćelija (Treg) na rizik od postoperativnog recidiva kod pacijenata sa eozinofilnim hroničnim rinosinusitisom sa nazalnim polipima (EcRsvNP). Metode: Ukupno 198 pacijenata sa EcRsvNP prikupljenih u našoj bolnici od januara 2019. do decembra 2021. odabrano je kao subjekt istraživanja. Svi pacijenti su podvrgnuti funkcionalnoj endoskopskoj operaciji sinusa. Pacijenti su odabrani u grupu sa recidivom (RG, n = 48) i grupu bez recidiva (NRG, n = 150) na osnovu recidiva nakon 1 godine praćenja. Analizirani su povezani faktori postoperativnog recidiva EcRsvNP. ROC je korišćen za analizu opasnosti od sIgE, IL-6 i Treg u predviđanju postoperativnog recidiva pacijenata sa EcRsvNP. Rezultati: Udeo pacijenata sa astmom, VAS skor za začepljenost nosa i sadržaj Eos% u perifernoj krvi u RG premašili su onaj u NRG, a nivoi Neu% organizacije i Neu% periferne krvi bili su manji od onih u NRGp (P sve < 0,05). Serumski sIgE i serumski IL-6 u RG su bili viši od onih u NRG, dok je nivo Treg u perifernoj krvi bio niži od onog u NRG (P < 0,05). Logistička regresiona analiza je pokazala da su visoki nivoi serumskog sIgE, serumskog IL-6 i niski nivoi Treg faktori rizika za postoperativni recidiv (P < 0,05). ROC je pokazao da su AUC nivoa sIgE u perifernoj krvi, samo nivoi IL-6 i Treg u predviđanju opasnosti od postoperativnog recidiva kod pacijenata sa EcRsvNP 0,786, 0,707 i 0,636, respektivno (svi P < 0,05); AUC kombinovanog predviđanja nivoa sIgE, IL-6 i Treg u perifernoj krvi za opasan postoperativni recidiv kod pacijenata sa EcRsvNP bio je 0,973, što ukazuje da je efikasnost zajedničkog predviđanja bila veća od efikasnosti pojedinačnog predviđanja (P < 0,05). Zaključak: Visok nivo sIgE, IL6 i nizak nivo Treg kod pacijenata sa EcRsvNP pre operacije će povećati rizik od postoperativnog recidiva, što je faktor rizika koji utiče na postoperativni recidiv, a tri indikatora imaju dobru prediktivnu vrednost za predviđanje postoperativnog recidiva kod pacijenata. sa EcRsvNP, a kombinacija ova tri indikatora ima bolju vrednost u predviđanju postoperativnog recidiva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs following the ingestion of gluten, in genetically predisposed individuals. Patients with celiac disease, especially children, are likely prone to develop allergic reactions to different food allergens. However, the relationship between food allergy and celiac disease remains not elucidated. The aim of this pioneering study was to evaluate the prevalence of allergic food sensitization in children with celiac disease in Morocco. Methods: A total of 57 children with confirmed celiac disease, including 25 males and 32 females with a mean age of 8.6 ± 4.4 years, underwent a food allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) screening. This screening was conducted using a multiparametric immunodot assay (Euroline Food "Maghreb," Euroimmun). Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Results: Among the 57 cases tested, the overall rate of IgE-mediated sensitization to food allergens was found to be 48% (27/57), dominated by chicken, with 51.9% (14/27), followed by almond, 40.7% (11/27), sesame, 40.7% (11/27), potato 33.3% (9/27), and apple 18.5% (5/27). Of the s-IgE positive cases, 74% were sensitized at least to one allergen, 37% (10/27) were sensitized to both chicken and almond allergens. A significant correlation was observed between almond, sesame, chicken, and potato. Conclusion: The current study highlighted a high prevalence of food allergen sensitization in children with celiac disease. This underlines the potential benefit in screening for food allergy in celiac patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background. Coeliac disease (CD) often co-occurs with autoimmune conditions or genetic syndromes, but there are few studies on the co-existence of CD and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies. The purpose of this study was to assess sensitization to food and aero-allergens in pediatric patients with CD. (2) Methods. A multiplex ALEX®2 test was used to determine specific IgEs (sIgEs). (3) Results. The study included 108 children newly diagnosed with CD. Allergen extract- and/or allergen molecule-sIgEs were detected in 49.1% of children. Most children (41.5%) were sensitized to both inhalant and food allergens. The three most common aero-allergens (timothy pollen, ryegrass, silver birch) were molecules Phl p 1, Lol p 1, and Bet v 1. The most common food allergens (hazelnut, apple, and peanut) were Cor a 1, Mal d 1, and Ara h 8 molecules of the PR-10 subfamily. Patients were not sensitized to cereal allergens containing gluten. Spearman's rank correlation analysis of sensitized patients showed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.31) between the patients' age and the occurrence of positive sIgEs (≥0.3 kUA/L) for inhalant allergen molecules (p = 0.045). In sensitized patients, mainly symptoms of inhalant allergy were observed, such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, and bronchial asthma. (4) Conclusions. The current study indicates the co-occurrence of IgE sensitization to food and inhalant allergens in children with CD. The study highlights the need to take a closer look at the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy in patients with CD, which may help in their care and lead to a better understanding of the relationship between CD and IgE-mediated allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The diagnosis of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is based on the presence of symptoms after being exposed to potential sources of alpha-gal together with values ​​of specific IgE (sIgE) to alpha-gal ≥ 0.1 kUA/L or ≥ 0.35 kUA/L. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic validity of sIgE levels to alpha-gal ≥ 0.1 kUA/L for identifying AGS. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of adult patients with available data on sIgE levels to alpha-gal, classified into two groups according to the presence (Group 1) or absence (Group 2) of symptoms after being exposed to potential sources of alpha-gal. Values of sIgE to alpha-gal ≥ 0.1 kUA/l were considered a positive result. A descriptive analysis of internal and external validity parameters was performed in the entire population and adjusted by sex. Results The study included 33 individuals in Group 1 and 65 in Group 2, with a mean age of around 47 years. The analysis of internal validity parameters revealed a high sensitivity, specificity, and positive probability ratio, with higher sensitivity in men and higher specificity in women. The analysis of external validity parameters showed a high negative predictive value and global value in all populations and both sexes. However, the positive predictive value was relatively high in men, but low in women. Conclusions Our results suggest that sIgE levels ≥ 0.1 kUA/L may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of AGS, although other factors and diagnostic techniques should also be considered.

Background: The diagnosis of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is based on the presence of symptoms after being exposed to potential sources of alpha-gal together with values ​​of specific IgE (sIgE) to alpha-gal ≥ 0.1 kUA/L or ≥ 0.35 kUA/L. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic validity of sIgE levels to alpha-gal ≥ 0.1 kUA/L for identifying AGS. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of adult patients with available data on sIgE levels to alpha-gal, classified into two groups according to the presence (Group 1) or absence (Group 2) of symptoms after being exposed to potential sources of alpha-gal. Values of sIgE to alpha-gal ≥ 0.1 kUA/l were considered a positive result. A descriptive analysis of internal and external validity parameters was performed in the entire population and adjusted by sex. Results: The study included 33 individuals in Group 1 and 65 in Group 2, with a mean age of around 47 years. The analysis of internal validity parameters revealed a high sensitivity, specificity, and positive probability ratio, with higher sensitivity in men and higher specificity in women. The analysis of external validity parameters showed a high negative predictive value and global value in all populations and both sexes. However, the positive predictive value was relatively high in men, but low in women. Conclusions: Our results suggest that sIgE levels ≥ 0.1 kUA/L may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of AGS, although other factors and diagnostic techniques should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chunjiao Zheng, Ying Zou Skin and Cosmetic Research Department, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ying Zou, Skin and Cosmetic Research Department, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200443, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18017336869, Fax +86-21-36803062, Email zouyingsh@163.comIntroduction: Allergen distribution has obvious geographical characteristics. Understanding local epidemiological data may provide evidence-based strategies for the prevention and management of disease. We investigated the distribution of allergen sensitization in patients with skin diseases in Shanghai, China.Methods: Data from tests for serum-specific immunoglobulin E were collected from 714 patients with three skin diseases who visited the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital from January 2020 to February 2022. The prevalence of 16 allergen species, as well as age, sex, and disease-group differences in allergen sensitization, were investigated.Results: Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the most common aeroallergen species to cause allergic sensitization in patients with skin diseases, whereas shrimp and crab were the most common food-allergen species. Children were more susceptible to various allergen species. With regard to sex differences, males were sensitized to more allergen species than females. Patients suffering from atopic dermatitis were sensitized to more allergenic species than patients with non-atopic eczema or urticaria.Conclusion: Allergen sensitization in patients with skin diseases in Shanghai differed by age, sex, and disease type. Knowing the prevalence of allergen sensitization across age, sex, and disease type may help facilitate diagnostic and intervention efforts, and guide the treatment and management of skin diseases in Shanghai.Keywords: atopic dermatitis, non-atopic eczema, urticaria, specific immunoglobulin E, sensitization

Huiqing Zhu,1,&ast; Zhifeng Huang,1,&ast; Tingting Liu,1 Nairui An,1 Hui Gan,1 Dongming Huang,2 Chuangli Hao,3 Wenting Luo,1 Baoqing Sun1 1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Laboratory, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pediatrics, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan, 528400, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Respirology, Children’s Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Baoqing Sun; Wenting Luo, Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Laboratory, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 20 8306 2865, Fax +86 20 8306 2729, Email sunbaoqing@vip.163.com; 348307379@qq.comPurpose: An objective of this study was to investigate the allergen sensitization characteristics of cat, dog and horse dander in patients with suspected allergic diseases in different geographical regions of Chinese mainland.Patients and Methods: We invited 2377 patients aged 0– 86 years with suspected allergic diseases to participate in a cross-sectional survey in 11 provinces in China. Combined with the questionnaires and animal-specific IgE levels, we analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of furry animal sensitization in different regions and populations of Chinese Mainland.Results: Among the 2377 patients with suspected allergic diseases, 14.9% were sensitized to cat dander, 9.3% to dog dander and 5.5% to horse dander. Animal allergens mainly cause low-level sensitization (class 1– 3). There was a significant correlation between cat, dog and horse dander allergen sIgE, with correlation coefficients (rs) all greater than 0.750. The majority (46.5%) of sIgE-positive patients were sensitized to at least two animal allergens simultaneously. The prevalence of these animals all showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with age, and all reached the peak in young adolescence. As for the geographical factors, the sensitization rate of cats and dogs in Western was significantly higher than that in Eastern (cat: 18.4% vs 9.2%, dog: 11.6% vs 5.5%, all P < 0.001), however, no significant differences were found in horses. Aged ≤ 6 years, living in Western, and high animal allergen exposure elevated the risk of cat or dog sensitization. Living on a lower floor (aOR: 0.56) was a protective factor for horse sensitization.Conclusion: In this representative sample of Chinese patients with suspected allergic diseases, there was an apparent geographic variation in sensitization to cats and dogs. Age factor and living in Western also had a significant impact on animal allergen sensitization rate.Keywords: animal allergen, specific immunoglobulin E, cross-sectional survey, suspected allergic patient

Food sensitization in early life identifies children at risk of developing allergic diseases. We investigated the sensitization to cow milk (CM), egg whites, and wheat. Newborns and infants under 3 years of age with available specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) data were identified. A retrospective survey was conducted using data from the Chang Gung Research Database. Perinatal characteristics, such as singleton or multiples in a single pregnancy, parity, meconium staining, maternal age, spontaneous delivery or cesarean section, meconium passage, weeks of gestation, birth length, body weight, head and chest circumferences, and season, were obtained. The data on sIgE were collected, and a logistic regression model was used to determine the odds of sensitization. Positive sIgE for CM and egg whites was more likely to occur in boys than in girls. Early-life egg white and wheat sensitization was associated with increased birth body length and weight. A multivariate analysis indicated an association between egg white sIgE positivity and logarithmic total IgE. Higher total IgE levels and younger age were associated with egg white sensitization, and elevated weight and length at birth were linked to food sensitization, particularly to egg whites and wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and shrimp are common air allergens and allergenic food sources, respectively, in southern China. This study aimed to analyze the specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) characteristics and relationships of Dp components among co-sensitized patients with Dp and shrimp. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 112 patients with Dp sensitization (61 with shrimp sensitization and 51 without) from southern China. The sIgE concentrations of Dp and shrimp crude extracts were determined by ImmunoCAP, and the sIgE of Dp allergen components (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 21, and Der p 23) was detected by protein chip. Results: Overall, in the Dp-allergic patients, Der p 1 had the highest positive rate (72.3%), followed by Der p 2 (65.2%), Der p 23 (46.4%), Der p 7 (32.14%), Der p 21 (29.46%), Der p 5 (22.32%), and Der p 10 (17.86%). Compared with that in the shrimp nonsensitized group, the positive rate of sIgE for Der p 10 (27.87% vs. 5.88%, p = 0.002) in the shrimp sensitization group was significantly higher; however, the positive rate of sIgE for Der p 7 (22.95% vs. 43.14%, p = 0.023) was significantly lower. Moreover, the concentration of sIgE for Der p 10 increased statistically in the shrimp-sensitized group. The correlation analysis also showed that shrimp sensitization was significantly correlated with Der p 10. Conclusion: Among patients with Dp sensitization, Der p 1 had the highest positive rate, followed by Der p 2 and Der p 23. Meanwhile, Der p 10 may play an important role in patients with shrimp sensitization, while Der p 7 may be the meaningful allergen component in patients with Dp sensitization alone. In general, component-resolved diagnosis technology in clinical practice can effectively guide patients with polysensitization to avoid allergic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have reported threshold doses for food allergens. However, evidence regarding potential risk factors for low threshold doses is limited. Moreover, the relationship between threshold dose and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels to causative foods remains unclear. This study examined the relationship and the risk factors for a low threshold dose. Methods: We recruited children with food allergies and examined the risk factors for a positive oral food challenge (OFC) with a low threshold dose and anaphylaxis. Results: We evaluated 2501 children with food allergies (1667 [67%] boys; median age, 4.9 years) to eggs (n = 1096), milk (n = 671), wheat (n = 370), peanuts (n = 258), walnuts (n = 65), and cashews (n = 41). Of these patients, 234 (9%) reacted to ≤30 mg protein of causative foods and 620 (25%) reacted to ≤100 mg protein of causative foods. The sIgE level to causative foods was a significant independent factor for positive OFCs with a threshold dose of ≤30 mg for milk, wheat, and peanuts; ≤ 100 mg for eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and cashews; and anaphylaxis from eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and walnuts. High sIgE levels to causative foods were associated with a lower threshold dose of the OFC and anaphylaxis during the OFC. Conclusions: Approximately 9% of patients reacted to ≤30 mg protein of causative foods. The potential risks of anaphylaxis should be considered during OFCs for patients with elevated sIgE levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are no in-depth studies describing the peanut sensitization molecular patterns in Lithuanian children. Aim: To investigate the age-related patterns of molecular peanut sensitization profiles in Lithuanian children with suspected allergic symptoms. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of peanut sensitization profiles in 576 Lithuanian children with possible allergic symptoms. Patient data were categorized according to age groups: 0-2, 3-6, 7-12, and 13-18 years. Specific immunoglobulin E levels to peanut molecular components: Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Ara h 8, Ara h 9, Ara h 15, and birch major allergen component Bet v 1 were analyzed. Results: Sensitization to at least one peanut protein was observed in 148 (25.7%) children. In children aged = 2 years, most children were sensitized to Ara h 1 - 11 (12.1%). In children aged from 3 to 6 years, the sensitization to Ara h 1 remained the most prevalent in 40 (16.6%) children. The most prevalent sensitization in children aged from 7 to 12 years was to Ara h 8 in 39 (24.5%) of them. In children aged = 13 years, Ara h 8 remained the most prevalent sensitizer in 21 (24.7%) of them. Conclusions: One-fourth of children with suspected allergic symptoms are sensitized to at least one peanut molecular component in Lithuania. Infants and preschool children are most commonly sensitized to seed storage proteins, while school-age children to Ara h 8 allergen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liting Wu,1,&ast; Wenting Luo,1,&ast; Haisheng Hu,1 Xianhui Zheng,1 Zhangkai J Cheng,1 Dongming Huang,2 Xiaowen Huang,2 Hong Zhang,3 Yang Liu,3 Rongfang Zhang,4 Hui Yang,4 Yun Sun,5 Yi Wang,5 JinHai Ma,6 Jing Liu,6 Xin Sun,7 Huajie Wu,7 Chunhua Wei,8 Shuping Zhang,8 Xiaoluan Li,9 Shuang Ren,9 Chuangli Hao,10 Baoqing Sun1 1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pediatrics, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan, 528400, People’s Republic of China; 3Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, People’s Republic of China; 4Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, People’s Republic of China; 5Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, 750000, People’s Republic of China; 6Ningxia Medical University General Hospital, Yinchuan, 750000, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Pediatrics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, 710032, People’s Republic of China; 8Weifang Weien Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China; 9The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China; 10Department of Respirology, Children’s Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Baoqing SunFirst Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 20 8306 2865Fax +86 20 8306 2729Email sunbaoqing@vip.163.comChuangli HaoDepartment of Respirology, Children’s Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-51280693588Fax +86-512-80696309Email hcl_md@163.comBackground: Up to now, epidemiological studies on allergy rhinitis (AR) have primarily focused on determining the risk of disease in Chinese adults, with the majority of them designed by single centers, while cross-sectional and epidemiological data describing allergic sensitization in children with self-reported AR are scarce.Objective: This study was estimating of the latest information about the sensitization patterns and risk factors of clinical AR to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of AR.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between January 2020 and June 2021 involving children from seven cities in China who reported AR. A total of 762 children participated in this survey. To evaluate the risk factors and specific sensitization patterns of clinical AR through questionnaires and specific immunoglobulin E to 11 aeroallergens.Results: Of the 762 patients, 593 (77.8%) had at least one positive IgE level. Aged 7– 14 years (OR 1.503, (95% CI 1.058– 2.136), P = 0.023); With allergic conjunctivitis (OR 1.843, (95% CI 1.297– 2.620), P = 0.001) and living in the Eastern (OR 1.802, (95% CI 1.263– 2.573), P = 0.001) all elevated the risk of clinical AR associated with aeroallergens. The sensitization rates of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae were higher than those of other allergens in the 0– 6 and 7– 14 years old age groups. The most common aeroallergens among self-reported children with AR in the eastern were D. farinae (74.9%) and D. pteronyssinus (74.3%), while in the western were mugwort (60.0%) and marguerite (56.6%). Majority of sIgE-positive subjects were sensitized to three or more of the tested pollen allergens in the Western (52.1%), compared with 5.7% in the Eastern.Conclusion: There was an apparent geographic variation in childhood allergies in China. Age factors also had strong impacts on the allergen sensitization rate of children, but these impacts differed across regions.Keywords: allergic rhinitis, specific immunoglobulin E, cross-sectional survey, aeroallergen, children

Yusi Li,1,&ast; Haisheng Hu,2,&ast; Teng Zhang,1,&ast; Guoliang Wang,1 Huimin Huang,2 Peiyan Zheng,2 Baoqing Sun,2 Xiaohua Douglas Zhang1 1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; 2Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Baoqing SunDepartment of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 2083062865Fax +86 2083062719Email sunbaoqing@vip.163.comXiaohua Douglas ZhangFaculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, ChinaTel +853 8822 4813Email douglaszhang@um.edu.moPurpose: Public health measures during COVID-19 have led to an unprecedented change in social lifestyle which might have an impact on the allergen sensitization in population. We sought to explore the prevalence patterns of serum inhalant and food allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) sensitization and serum total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) level among patients with clinical symptoms of suspected allergic diseases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in south China.Patients and Methods: A large epidemiology study was conducted on the prevalence patterns of sIgE sensitization and serum tIgE level among 13,715 patients with allergic symptoms in south China from 2017 to 2020. Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to test statistical significance of allergen sensitization difference among years. Logistic regression was performed to assess the magnitudes of the differences among years by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.Results: The number of hospital visits for patients with suspected allergy symptoms decreased during COVID-19. The positive rates of indoor inhalant allergens (house dust mites, German cockroach, dog dander) and tIgE increased significantly in 2020, while no significant differences were found in food allergens (egg white, milk, soya bean, shrimp) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The odds of sIgE positives in indoor inhalant allergens and tIgE positive for 2017 and 2020 were all larger than 1.00. After grouping by age and gender, there were significant differences in the positive rates of indoor inhalant allergens and tIgE when comparing 2020 with 2017.Conclusion: The prevalence of sensitization increased significantly to indoor inhalant allergens but not to food allergens in south China during the COVID-19 pandemic.Keywords: allergy, epidemiology, specific immunoglobulin E, total immunoglobulin E

Background: Light-initiated chemiluminescence assay (LICA) is a homogeneous assay that has been successfully used for the quantitation of food allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), but not inhaled allergen-sIgE. Simultaneously, current assays used to detect allergen-sIgE are serum consuming and/or time consuming. Hence, we established a method for the quantitation of Artemisia-sIgE based on LICA and verified its performance according to the clinical guideline documents, laying a foundation for the quantitation of inhaled and food allergen-sIgE in parallel on LICA. Methods: The assay was established after optimizing the first incubation time and the dilutions of Artemisia-coated chemibeads, biotinylated goat anti-human IgE, and serum. In order to quantitate Artemisia-sIgE, the calibration curve was established with a high positive serum of known concentration. The assay performance was confirmed per the clinical guideline documents. In addition, the correlation between the results of LICA and capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated. Results: The developed LICA's coefficients of variation of repeatability and intermediate precision were 3.20%, 2.14%, and 3.85% and 4.30%, 4.00%, and 4.40%, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.10 kUA/L, and the limit of quantitation was 0.11 kUA/L. The range of linearity was from 0.27 kUA/L to 97.53 kUA/L (r = 0.9968). The correlation coefficient (r) for the correlation analysis between results of LICA and capture ELISA was 0.9087. This assay was successfully applied in 64 human serum samples, showing good sensitivity (82.20%) and specificity (100%). Conclusion: An Artemisia-sIgE quantitation assay based on LICA was successfully established. Its performance satisfied the clinical requirements and could be widely used in clinical laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food sensitization in early life identifies children at risk of developing allergic diseases. We investigated the sensitization to cow milk (CM), egg whites, and wheat. Newborns and infants under 3 years of age with available specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) data were identified. A retrospective survey was conducted using data from the Chang Gung Research Database. Perinatal characteristics, such as singleton or multiples in a single pregnancy, parity, meconium staining, maternal age, spontaneous delivery or cesarean section, meconium passage, weeks of gestation, birth length, body weight, head and chest circumferences, and season, were obtained. The data on sIgE were collected, and a logistic regression model was used to determine the odds of sensitization. Positive sIgE for CM and egg whites was more likely to occur in boys than in girls. Early-life egg white and wheat sensitization was associated with increased birth body length and weight. A multivariate analysis indicated an association between egg white sIgE positivity and logarithmic total IgE. Higher total IgE levels and younger age were associated with egg white sensitization, and elevated weight and length at birth were linked to food sensitization, particularly to egg whites and wheat.

Background: Predicting food allergy resolution is essential to minimize the number of restricted foods in children. However, there have been no studies on the natural history of peanut allergy (PA) in Korea. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the natural course and prognostic factors of immediate-type PA in children till the age of 10 years. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 122 children who developed PA before 60 months of age from 3 tertiary hospitals in Korea. Diagnosis and resolution of PA was defined as an oral food challenge test or a convincing history of symptoms within 2 h after peanut ingestion. The prognostic factors for resolution of PA were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis was 2.0 (1.3–3.0) years. Among the 122 children, PA resolved in 18 (14.8%) children. The level of peanut-specific IgE (sIgE) at diagnosis in the persistence group was significantly higher than that in the resolution group (p = 0.026). The probabilities of resolution of PA were 10.3% and 32.8% at the ages of 6 and 10 years, respectively. A peanut-sIgE level ≥1 kU/L at diagnosis was significantly associated with persistent PA (hazard ratio, 5.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.89–18.87). Conclusions: Only 10.3% of our patients had a probability of developing spontaneous resolution of PA by 6 years of age. Peanut-sIgE levels ≥1 kU/L at diagnosis were associated with the persistence of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cow’s milk (CM) is the main food allergen for toddlers and infants. Presently, studies on CM specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) sensitization and positive distribution of CM components ALA-, CAS-, and BLG-sIgE are lacking in infants with respiratory allergic diseases, especially in southern China. This study therefore aimed to investigate the distribution of CM sensitization and the relation between its components α-lactalbumin (ALA), β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and casein (CAS) sIgE in children with respiratory allergic diseases in southern China. Methods A total of 1839 children (≤12 years) with respiratory diseases and detected CM-sIgE levels were included. Serum samples were collected from the Respiratory Diseases Bioresources Center of the National Center for Respiratory Diseases in southern China from August 2012 to July 2017. ALA-, BLG-, and CAS-sIgE were detected and questionnaires were completed in 103 children. Results A total of 36.7% children were positive for CM-sIgE. CM-sIgE levels were higher in asthmatic bronchitis (AB) group than in other allergic respiratory disease groups (all P

Objective To express the cashew nut allergen Ana o 2 and identify its immunological activity. Methods Ana o 2 gene was synthesized and inserted into the pET-28a (+) expression vector. The recombinant plasmid pET-28a (+) - Ana o 2 was constructed and sequenced. The correct recombinant plasmid was transformed into Rosetta (DE3), and the recombinant Ana o 2 protein was expressed and purified. The purified recombinant protein was identified by mass spectrometry. The immunological activity of the recombinant Ana o 2 protein was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and protein immunoblot (Western blot). Results As determined by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the molecular weight of the recombinant protein was approximately 54 kD, which was consistent with the theoretical value. The recombinant protein was identified as Ana o 2 by mass spectrometry. ELISA result showed that the level of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in cashew-allergic sera was significantly different from that in negative sera (t=2.44, P

This study investigated the molecule sensitized pattern of atopic dermatitis patients who co-sensitized to shrimp, cockroaches, crab and house dust mites allergens and promoted the development of clinical accurate diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different methods have different diagnostic value under diverse clinical conditions. This study was conducted to analyze the clinical practical value of different assays in different situations and to establish the concept of an allergen diagnosis strategy. This study used Phadia CAP, Advan Sure (AdvS), Euroline Camera (ELC), and Allergy Lateral Flow Assay (ALFA) kits to detect allergen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in the sera from 30 allergic asthma patients, with Phadia CAP as the gold standard. This study found high sensitivity for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in AdvS (92.6%), ELC (88.9%), and ALFA (85.2%), but poor sensitivity for F. domesticus in all three assays. Furthermore, the AdvS, ELC, and ALFA assays could detect 20, 21, and 8 allergens in one panel, respectively. The combination of the results showed that 93.3% and 46.7% of patients tested positive for ≥5 and ≥10 types of allergens, respectively. All patients who were tested positive for the Marine fish mixture were positive for both Shrimp and Crab. Similarly, patients who were tested positive for Chicken also tested positive for Pork. Optimal scale analysis showed a strong connection between Peanut, Soybean, Wheat, Japanese Hop, Western ragweed, and Oak allergens (Cronbach's α = 91.1%). The ELC assay was more suitable for use in pollen-rich areas, whereas the ALFA assay was easy to establish in areas with poor medical conditions. An allergen diagnosis strategy needs to be considered for use in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important to say that most of these allergens are considered "minor" allergens due to their IgE-binding frequency, although they could be important for susceptible patients, inducing permanent inflammation of bronchial epithelium under appropriate exposure conditions. Keywords: allergen; major and minor; immunoglobulin E; asthma; specific immunoglobulin E; precision medicine; allergenic activity; allergenicity EN allergen major and minor immunoglobulin E asthma specific immunoglobulin E precision medicine allergenic activity allergenicity N.PAG N.PAG 4 03/12/21 20210308 NES 210308 Introduction Scientific advances in the molecular characterization of IgE-binding molecules, together with the development of precision medicine, have revealed great limitations on classifying allergens as majors and minors, which considers mainly their IgE-binding frequency. It is known that there are allergens with high IgE-binding frequency but low clinical impact, and allergens with low IgE-binding frequency and high clinical impact for some patients ([11]-[14]). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Bronchial asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide and half of these patients have underlying allergic disease. Accurate identification of allergen triggers will help identify patients that may benefit from immunotherapy. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand whether in vitro testing provides accurate identification of suspected local allergens in our patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients between 2015 and 2016 with persistent mild/moderate-severe rhinitis/asthma referred for aeroallergen sensitization tests. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and allergen-specific IgE levels were done using Phadia 100 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Descriptive statistics were done using Microsoft Excel and nonparametric statistics using MedCalc software V18. Results: A total of 106 patient records (including 30 children) were analyzed. The median total IgE during 2015 (n = 38) was 402 kU/L (interquartile range [IQR] 25–75, 102–871 kU/L), while for 2016 (n = 68) was 509 kU/L (IQR 25–75, 131–1245 kU/L) (standard deviation comparison nonsignificant, P = 0.536). Thirty of 106 patients (28.3%) had no aeroallergen sensitizations. Allergen-specific IgE levels revealed that the highest sensitization rate was to house dust mites (both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), followed by cockroach and ragweed pollen (homologous to Parthenium hysterophorus). Median IgE level among 30 children was 511 kU/L (IQR 25–75 51.8–1688 kU/L). Almost 60% children were sensitized to house dust mites. Twelve of 30 children (40%) were polysensitized (i.e., specific IgE >0.35 kUA/L to ≥4 allergens) with 30% sensitized to P. hysterophorus. Mold sensitivity was 10% in both the years studied. Conclusions: ImmunoCAP method provides reliable assessment of sensitizations even for local allergens. House dust mite, cockroach, and Parthenium allergens appear to be important predictors of asthma morbidity not only among adults but also among children in Eastern India. Immunotherapy with house dust mites may prove beneficial in selected patients.

Background. Food hypersensitivity (FH) is commonly diagnosed in children. Positive skin tests and elevated serum IgE levels indicate anaphylactic mechanisms of allergy symptoms, although in some cases they do not correlate with clinical manifestation. Thus, the search for the effective approaches to the correct adjusted use of these methods in concordance with symptoms remains important. The purpose of our study was to evaluate age features of the IgE-dependent FH in children, which was proven with skin prick- and patch-tests, specific IgE (sIgE) levels. Materials and methods. The study included 148 patients aged 1 month to 18 years with skin symptoms of FH. The next methods were used: questioning, skin prick- and patch-tests, serum sIgE immunoassay detection. Results. 69.5 % of patients were children of early age — up to 3 years. Sensitization to the cow milk prevailed — 43 % (n = 10). 10 % of children had positive patch-tests with food allergens. Most part of children with non-IgE-dependent FH was 4–6 years old. Ele­vated total IgE levels were detected in 49 % of children. SIgE was increased in 42 % (n = 25) of children with normal total IgE, sIgE to cow milk and egg prevailed. Only in 63 % of children, high sIgE le­vels were clinically relevant and were proved with skin tests. The higher was children’s age the less was sIgE clinical relevance. Conclusions. Diagnostic algorithm of FH in children under and over 3 years should be different and take into account possible formation of the natural oral tolerance and decreased prevalence of the IgE-dependent reactions.

Background: Cow's milk (CM) is the main food allergen for toddlers and infants. Presently, studies on CM specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) sensitization and positive distribution of CM components ALA-, CAS-, and BLG-sIgE are lacking in infants with respiratory allergic diseases, especially in southern China. This study therefore aimed to investigate the distribution of CM sensitization and the relation between its components α-lactalbumin (ALA), β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and casein (CAS) sIgE in children with respiratory allergic diseases in southern China.Methods: A total of 1839 children (≤12 years) with respiratory diseases and detected CM-sIgE levels were included. Serum samples were collected from the Respiratory Diseases Bioresources Center of the National Center for Respiratory Diseases in southern China from August 2012 to July 2017. ALA-, BLG-, and CAS-sIgE were detected and questionnaires were completed in 103 children.Results: A total of 36.7% children were positive for CM-sIgE. CM-sIgE levels were higher in asthmatic bronchitis (AB) group than in other allergic respiratory disease groups (all P < 0.05). Among the 103 CM-sIgE-sensitized children, 64.08% had a history of family allergies. There were 84.47% of the children who tested positive for two or more sIgE components. The average ALA-, BLG-, and CAS-sIgE levels were 1.91 kU/L, 1.81 kU/L, and 0.62 kU/L, respectively. The CM-sIgE level showed a correlation with BLG-sIgE (rs = 0.833), ALA-sIgE (rs = 0.816), and CAS-sIgE (rs = 0.573) levels (all p < 0.001).Conclusions: In southern China, CM-sIgE levels were higher in children with AB than in those with other respiratory allergic diseases. ALA and BLG were the main allergenic components detected in CM-sIgE-sensitized children with respiratory allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Positive skin prick tests (SPT) results with protein allergens are the minor Hanifin and Rajka's atopic dermatitis (AD) criterion. In adults, they mainly concern aeroallergens. The inflammation of skin often prevents SPT, but does not exclude the assessment of serous specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) concentrations. Aim: To assess usefulness of testing AD patients to aeroallergens with SPT and sIgE concentrations, and the correlation of these results and the clinical AD course. Material and methods: In 286 AD patients, total IgE and sIgE (14 aeroallergens) were measured. SPTs were performed with 17 aeroallergens. The AD severity was determined depending on the concurrent co-existence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, extensive skin flares and severe itching. Results: 59.1% and 66.1% of patients have had positive results of sIgE and SPT, respectively (p > 0.05). The concentration of total IgE has positively correlated with the number of positive sIgE results (rho = 0.588, p < 0.001) and their intensity (rho = 0.592, p < 0.001). Among the patients with at least one high positive sIgE score, severe AD patients have been dominant (59.8% vs. 40.2%, p < 0.04). Among the patients with positive results without any high scores, the percentages are 21.6 and 78.4, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The compatibility of SPT results and IgE concentrations indicates that the two methods equally assess aeroallergy in AD patients. The assessment of sIgE concentrations is especially advisable in patients with an elevated total IgE level. The obtained results may suggest that presence of a high specific IgE level of antibodies to aeroallergens may be the factor predicting a severe clinical AD course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation and validity of tear film allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in relation to the skin prick test in diagnosing different types of allergic conjunctivitis. Design The study design was a prospective randomized case series. Patients and methods One hundred and twenty patients with allergic conjunctivitis were included in this study and were classified into four groups according to the type of allergy. Group 1 included 48 patients with perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Group 2 included 35 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Group 3 included 30 patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), and group 4 included seven patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis. All patients were subjected to the skin prick test, which was performed with aeroallergen panel using kits containing different inhalant allergens, positive control (histamine 1 mg/ml), and negative control (saline 0.9%). Tear samples were collected using the microcapillary method for the quantitative determination of specific IgE using immune blot assay. Data were evaluated and statistically analyzed. Results In this study, the skin prick test and specific IgE were performed to 11 different allergens and the results revealed that the most common mixed allergens were mixed pollen, mixed mould, and mixed mite. Validity of tear film-specific IgE in the detection of allergens was assessed against the skin prick test (gold standard). There was IgE specificity of 100%, whereas the sensitivity ranged from 50 to 100% to the three common allergens in the four groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between specific IgE and the skin prick test for the most common allergens in patients with perennial allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, and VKC (except for mould allergens in the VKC group). There was only a statistically significant correlation between specific IgE and the skin prick test for mite allergen in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Conclusion Tear film-specific IgE has a statistically significant correlation and validity when compared with the skin prick test in diagnosing the causative allergen in different types of allergic conjunctivitis. It could be a good alternative to the skin prick test in the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis with high sensitivity and specificity and fewer complications and limitations.

Background: Bronchial asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide and half of these patients have underlying allergic disease. Accurate identification of allergen triggers will help identify patients that may benefit from immunotherapy. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand whether in vitro testing provides accurate identification of suspected local allergens in our patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients between 2015 and 2016 with persistent mild/moderate-severe rhinitis/asthma referred for aeroallergen sensitization tests. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and allergen-specific IgE levels were done using Phadia 100 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Descriptive statistics were done using Microsoft Excel and nonparametric statistics using MedCalc software V18. Results: A total of 106 patient records (including 30 children) were analyzed. The median total IgE during 2015 (n = 38) was 402 kU/L (interquartile range [IQR] 25–75, 102–871 kU/L), while for 2016 (n = 68) was 509 kU/L (IQR 25–75, 131–1245 kU/L) (standard deviation comparison nonsignificant, P = 0.536). Thirty of 106 patients (28.3%) had no aeroallergen sensitizations. Allergen-specific IgE levels revealed that the highest sensitization rate was to house dust mites (both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), followed by cockroach and ragweed pollen (homologous to Parthenium hysterophorus). Median IgE level among 30 children was 511 kU/L (IQR 25–75 51.8–1688 kU/L). Almost 60% children were sensitized to house dust mites. Twelve of 30 children (40%) were polysensitized (i.e., specific IgE >0.35 kUA/L to ≥4 allergens) with 30% sensitized to P. hysterophorus. Mold sensitivity was 10% in both the years studied. Conclusions: ImmunoCAP method provides reliable assessment of sensitizations even for local allergens. House dust mite, cockroach, and Parthenium allergens appear to be important predictors of asthma morbidity not only among adults but also among children in Eastern India. Immunotherapy with house dust mites may prove beneficial in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zdorov'ye Rebenka is the property of Zaslavsky O.Yu 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.)

Aim: It has been hypothesised that in atopic dermatitis, the dysfunctional skin barrier facilitates the transcutaneous presentation of allergens to the immune system. This study examined whether atopic dermatitis increased the likelihood of polysensitisation, namely sensitisation to five or more allergens.Methods: We examined the electronic hospital charts of 1743 children aged 0-17 years who had visited primary or secondary care physicians with allergic symptoms, whose blood was examined for the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the 10 most common inhaled and food allergens and whose files contained documentation of the presence of atopic dermatitis and other skin disorders. Sensitisation was defined as a specific IgE level of ≥0.35 kU/L.Results: Polysensitisation was more common in children with atopic dermatitis (268/1197, 22.4%) than those without (30/546, 5.5%, p < 0.001). This remained significant after adjustment for gender and age in a multiple logistic regression model (odds ratio: 5.63, 95% confidence interval 3.77-8.40). Other skin disorders did not show an increased risk of polysensitisation (5/97, 5.2%).Conclusion: Polysensitisation was considerably more common in children with atopic dermatitis than those without. This supports the hypothesis that sensitisation occurs through a defective skin barrier and appears to be specific for atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food allergy diagnosis requires a highly sensitive detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in the serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a classical method widely used for sIgE detection but had to rely on costly and time-consuming assay procedures, skilled technicians, and bulky equipment. Here, a multiplexed origami paper analytical device (moPAD) that is hexahistidine-tagged and integrated with a nitrilotriacetic acid-functionalized surface with nickel (Ni-NTA) was developed to achieve low-cost and high-efficiency immunosensing of multiple allergen-specific IgEs in serum. The major oyster allergens, Cra a 1, Cra a 2, and Cra a 4, were used to detect sIgE in human serum. The feasibility of the moPAD-based immunosensing strategy was successfully demonstrated by desirable sensitivities for multiple targets. The detection results of moPAD for 72 serum samples were 100% consistent with clinical test results, while 69 of these results showed no significant differences from ELISA results, demonstrating the accuracy and stability of this method. A fully integrated moPAD reduces detection time and achieves highly sensitive quantification using a simple smartphone-based readout. Efficient allergen modification of paper devices has great applicability in allergen component-resolved diagnostics. The implementation of moPAD can make the process of allergy diagnosis simpler for patients, physicians, and healthcare systems alike. • Multiple oyster sIgEs are simultaneously detected in a portable POCT. • A method for the immobilization of recombinant allergens was constructed. • The specific binding of His-tag and Ni-NTA improved the loading capacity. • The integrated origami device has reduced the detection time to 30 min [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergen sensitization is being diagnosed by commonly available methods in clinical practice-skin prick tests (SPTs) and specific immunoglobulin E test (sIgE). Recently, a new thermographic (TH) method for the assessment of SPT was developed, and it was demonstrated that the TH measurements of forearm temperature distribution during SPT, supported by a mathematical model, offer a new quantification method of allergen-induced skin reactions. The aim of this study is a comprehensive comparison of the TH method with SPT and sIgE techniques. The studies were performed for a group of 51 patients. The SPT and sIgE examinations were done in a routine way. For TH analyses, set of thermograms of both forearms were acquired after prick and analyzed with the use of developed software. All results were converted into categorized scale for comparison. The collected results indicate high correlation coefficients between methods equal to 0.76-0.99. Sensitivity and accuracy of TH assessment in respect of both SPT and sIgE methods is at good level (0.72-0.93). Acceptable level of specificity 0.60-0.88 was also achieved for most allergic responses. Excellent agreement between SPT and sIgE methods was observed which makes the TH assessment competitive. Due to higher precision and sensitivity of digital infrared technology, possibility of making error in diagnosis is significantly reduced. Additional advantage of the TH method relies on an estimation of the skin reactivity which allows highlighting the hypersensitivity patients and automatic correction of the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IgE-mediated wheat allergy is a gluten-related disorder. Wheat is one of the five most common food allergens in children. However, the natural history of IgE-mediated wheat allergy has seldom been described in the research literature. This study presents the current state of knowledge about the IgE-mediated wheat allergy in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]