Single, Pauci, and Multi-allergen Testing and Immunotherapy

Abstract

Allergy immunotherapy has been a mainstay of treatment of inhalant allergy for years. Controversy still exists regarding best methods of allergy testing and immunotherapy. We aim to review the evidence supporting single-, pauci-, and multi-allergen testing and immunotherapy. The efficacy of immunotherapy has been well-established. The majority of research regarding allergy immunotherapy has focused on single-allergen treatment for mono- or poly-sensitized patients. There is a small heterogeneous group of studies that evaluate the efficacy of multi-allergen immunotherapy. There is a need for further research comparing single- and multi-allergen immunotherapy in poly-sensitized patients. We review the efficacy, relevant immunology, and persistent benefits of immunotherapy. We also review the most recent research examining the efficacy of single-allergen and multi-allergen immunotherapy in mono-, pauci-, and poly-allergic patients.