Cat Epithelium Research Articles

Пищевая и ингаляционная сенсибилизация при атопическом дерматите

Aim: to study the association of food and inhalation sensitization with the severity of atopic dermatitis (AtD) in order to improve its treatment and prevention methods. Patients and Methods: the study included 50 patients with AtD from 2 to 44 years old. The study included clinical and laboratory research methods. The survey analyzed the history and anamnesis vitae, estimated the age at the AtD onset, determined the nature of concomitant pathology, the possible causes of cutaneous exacerbation, the allergic severity in the family history, the severity score on the SCORAD (Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis) scale and the efficacy of previous therapy. The immunological examination consisted of the quantitative determination of specific IgE and IgG antibodies in the blood serum to inhaled and food allergens by immunochemiluminescence assay on an IMMULITE 2000 XPi analyzer. Results: according to the detection frequency of IgE to food allergens in patients with AtD: the leading positions were taken by the chicken egg (egg white in 26% of cases, egg yolk in 20%); IgE to banana was detected in 17% of cases; in 12% — to cow’s milk, more common — to the β-lactoglobulin fraction. When studying the activity of inhaled allergens, respiratory sensitization to the cat epithelium was detected in 26% of cases, and to black birch — in 24%. Hypersensitivity to herbs (wormwood, herbal mixture) and house dust allergens (8%, respectively) was found much less common. In severe AtD, IgE to respiratory allergens prevailed: at n=38, the IgE concentration to cat epithelium and black birch was 12.4±1.4 IU/mL each. Besides, there was a significant sensitization to food allergens, namely, the IgE concentration to egg white — 5.4±0.9 IU/mL. Conclusion: the study revealed the sensitization of patients with AtD to food (mainly egg white, egg yolk, banana and cow’s milk) and respiratory (mainly cat epithelium, black birch) allergens. Determination of the IgE concentration in the blood serum of patients showed that there was a significant concentration increase to egg white, cat and black birch in severe AtD. Therefore, it is advisable to test for specific allergens in all patients with moderate to severe AtD. KEYWORDS: food sensitization, inhalation sensitization, atopic dermatitis, allergy, allergens, antibodies, immunochemiluminescence assay, IgE, triggers. FOR CITATION: Vasilyeva E.A., Rusak Yu.E., Efanova E.N., Lebedeva L.N. Food and inhalation sensitization in atopic dermatitis. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(1):17–20. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-1-17-20.

Determination of aeroallergen prevalence in children aged 1-16 and #8239;years in the provincial center of Kahramanmaras

Aim: A retrospective study was performed to determine of aeroallergens sensitivity in children.Material and Methods: Medical records of patients aged 1-16 years who presented at the Paediatric Allergy Polyclinic of Kahramanmaras Children’s Hospital between August 2015 and July 2016. A 10-item allergy test was applied to patients. These tests were positive control (histamine), negative control (saline), grass, weed, house dust mite mixture, peanut, cockroach, alternaria, aspergillus, and cat epithelium and dog hair. The patients were separated into 3 groups as asthma, allergic rhinitis and asthma and allergic rhinitis combined.Results: A total of 1078 patients were administered the allergy tests. A positive result in the allergy skin test was determined in 311 patients. The male/female ratio was 199/112 (64%/36%) in the positive allergy test. Allergic rhinitis was determined in 144 (46.3%). The mean age of the patients was 6.6 ± 3.51 years in the asthma group, 10 ± 3.81 years in the allergic rhinitis group and 9.3 ± 3.89 years in the asthma +allergic rhinitis group. Grass pollen was the most frequently determined aeroallergen in all the patient and age groups. In the pre-school age group, the patients diagnosed with asthma were determined with the most aeroallergen sensitivity. In the patients diagnosed with both asthma and allergic rhinitis, house dust mite mixture was the 2nd most frequently determined aeroallergen in both pre-school and school-age children.Conclusion: In the region of Kahramanmaras, it was significant that the most commonly determined aeroallergen was mixture 5 grasses in our study.

Bronchial asthma in pre-school children living in urban areas of the Altay Krai: a population-based cross-sectional study

The objective of the study was to investigate prevalence, clinical and allergological features, and risk factors of bronchial asthma in pre-school children living in urban areas of Altay Krai. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving 3,205 children (age, 3 to 6 years) attending pre-school facilities in 5 cities of the Altay Krai. Asthma symptoms were defined using the ISAAC questionnaire. Asthma was diagnosed by clinicians according to GINA. Results. Prevalence of asthma in urban children aged 3 to 6 years was 5.7%; 62.7% of them were previously diagnosed with asthma. Majority of children (59.4%) had mild asthma. Sensitization was detected in 70.3% of children with asthma, most of them were sensitized to dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (63.3%), birch pollen (46.6%), and cat epithelium (31.1%). Risk factors of asthma were family history of allergy [odds ratio (OR) 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2–4.6], male gender (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–2.3), preterm birth (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.3), smoking parents (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.9), (contact with pets during the first year of life (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0). Conclusion. The prevalence of asthma in urban children aged 3 to 6 years living in urban areas of Altay Krai was 5.7%. Most common sensitizers were house dust mites, birch pollen and cat epithelium. The risk factors of pre-school asthma are family history of allergy, male gender, preterm birth, passive smoking and contact with pets during the first year of life.

Associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and allergic sensitization in early childhood

Background and objectivesVitamin D status may be related to allergen sensitizations, but the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to assess whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were associated with allergic sensitizations in early childhood. MethodsData were collected from 2642 children who visited the Guangdong Women and Children’s Hospital from January 2016 to May 2017 for routine health check-ups. Serum 25(OH)D levels were tested by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Allergic sensitizations including food and inhalant allergens were tested for specific IgE antibodies at one year (12 months 0 days through 12 months 30 days) and two years (24 months 0 days through 24 months 30 days) of age. ResultsThe mean level of serum 25(OH)D was 86.47±27.55nmol/L, with a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<75nmol/L) in children aged 0–2 years (36.8%). Lower 25(OH)D levels with serum total IgE of more than 200IU/mL (81.54±25.53nmol/L) compared with less than 100IU/mL (87.92±28.05nmol/L). The common sensitization to allergens in children aged one and two years were milk (44.2%), cat epithelium (26.4%), egg (13.1%), dog epithelium (12.7%) and Dermatophagoides farinae (6.7%). After multivariate adjustment, data in 25(OH)D treated as a continuous variable or categories, no consistent associations were found between 25(OH)D levels and allergen-specific IgEs. ConclusionsSerum 25(OH)D level showed an inverse relationship with total IgE level in early childhood. However, there is lack of evidence to support associations between low 25(OH)D levels and allergic sensitization to various allergens.

The Role of Radioallergosorbent Testing (RAST) Early in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Children and Adults Referred to Secondary Care in the United Kingdom

Aim: To evaluate the importance and relevance of doing radioallegrosorbent testing (RAST) for patients referred with atopic dermatitis (AD) to secondary care for specialist dermatological advice and investigation. Background: Atopic dermatitis is usually diagnosed by Primary Care General Practitioners and treated using a stepped approach. Referral to secondary care is considered when it is not controlled with optimal treatment or if an allergy is suspected. Radioallegrosorbent testing is useful for identifying trigger factors however current literature lacks evidence for the extent to which RAST testing can improve patient symptoms. Method: Standard RAST testing was requested for all patients referred to secondary care with atopic dermatitis. Allergens tested included: dairy products, house dust mite, grass, nuts, seafood, cereals, dog dander and cat epithelium. Results: RAST results showed that 92.3% of children and 60.7% of adults had high total lgE levels. The proportion of children with high serum specific lgE for the allergens tested were as follows: house dust mite (60.4%), grass (50%), dairy/cow’s milk (39.5%), nuts (29.1%), dog dander (16.6%), cat epithelium (12.5%), egg (10.4%), fish/seafood (6.2%), wheat (6.2%), and soya (2.0%). The results for the adults tested were as follows: house dust mite (64.7%), grass (58.8%), cat epithelium (29%), dog dander (23%), nuts (11.7%), egg (11.7%), cow’s milk/dairy (5.8%), wheat/ soya (0%). On follow-up, all patients reported an improvement in their AD after implementing allergen avoidance strategies. Conclusions: RAST testing is a valuable clinical test that should be considered early to investigate patients with AD for relevant allergens that may be exacerbating their symptoms and causing resistance to first line treatment.

The prevalence of allergic and non-allergic bronchial asthma and the spectrum of sensitization among children of preschool age living in urban areas of the Altai Territory: a momentary population study

Information on the prevalence of allergic and non-allergic bronchial asthma among children of preschool age is limited due to insufficient amount of studies. At the same time, determining the phenotype of the disease is the key to choosing the optimal therapy and determining the prognosis. The objective: to establish the prevalence of allergic and non-allergic bronchial asthma in children of 3–6 years living in the urban areas of the Altai Territory, and to study the sensitization spectrum. The authors conducted a momentary population-based study, consisting of two stages. At the screening stage, the study included 3205 children of 3–6 years attending preschool educational institutions. Symptoms of bronchial asthma were determined using the ISAAC questionnaire. At the clinical stage, the diagnosis was verified by allergists based on the diagnostic criteria of GINA. The allergic phenotype of asthma was established with a positive prick test and / or at a level of specific blood IgE of &gt; 0.35 kE / l to at least one allergen. The results. 5.7% of urban children of 3–6 years suffered bronchial asthma. Allergic asthma prevails over non-allergic one – 4 and 1.7%, respectively. The condition of most children is sensitized to 2 allergens and more, the most often case was a sensitization to house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (42.9%) birch pollen (34.3%) and cat epithelium (27.5%). The conclusion. 5.7% of children of 3–6 years living the in urban areas of the Altai Territory suffered bronchial asthma with a predominance of allergic phenotype.

Allergen Sensitization and Asthma Outcomes among World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery Workers.

A large number of World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers are affected by asthma. While physical and mental health comorbidities have been associated with poor asthma control in this population, the potential role of allergen sensitization is unknown. This study examined the association of indoor sensitization and exposure as a risk factor for increased asthma morbidity in WTC workers. We used data from a prospective cohort of 331 WTC workers with asthma. Sensitization to indoor allergens was assessed by measurement of antigen-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. We used validated tools to evaluate the exposure to indoor allergens. Asthma morbidity outcomes included level of control (Asthma Control Questionnaire, ACQ), quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, AQLQ) and acute resource utilization. The prevalence of sensitization to cat, dog, mouse, dust mite, cockroach, and mold allergens were 33%, 21%, 17%, 40%, 17%, and 17%, respectively. Unadjusted and regression analyses showed no significant relationship between sensitization and increased asthma morbidity (p > 0.05 for all comparisons), except for sensitization to Aspergillus Fumigatus, cat and mouse epithelium, which were associated with decreased morbidity.

Correlation between Serum vitamin D and Asthma Control in Asthmatic Children

Asthma is a chronic ,inflammatory ,respiratory tract disease accompanied by hypersensitivity of airways, recurring wheezing episodes, respiratory distress and coughing. The aim of this study was to estimate vitamin D level and specific IgE level in asthmatic children who were on controller medication and correlated their serum level with asthma control . Our results clarified that The serum vitamin[D] levels were closely related to asthma attacks. As,There were statistically significant positive correlations between serum vitamin D level and asthma control in asthmatic children. There were no significant difference in mean serum vitamin [D] between male and female and according to parent consanguinity while shows significant difference regarding order of sibling. there were no significant difference in mean serum vitamin [D] according to family history of atopy and passive smoking, while shows significant difference regarding family history of asthma, associated allergic condition, day time symptoms, night time awakness, degree of asthma control, recurrent hospital admission , interference with activity and frequency of exacerbation and influenza &pneumococcal vaccination. significant difference in mean serum vitamin [D] according to food born allergen: apple ,banana ,casein ,cow milk ,egg white, peanut while regarding airborne allergen shows nonsignificant difference with ,Der.pteronyssinus, Der.farinae ,Cockroach and Honey bee venom and Aspergillus fumigatus . Common wasp venom , Altearia alternate, Honey bee venum,Birch ,Candida albican ,Dog epith. and cat epithelium demonstrated significant difference. From our results, it would be concluded that there was a significant correlation between vitamin [D] level and asthma control in asthmatic children .

Cross-sectional study of allergen sensitization in pre-school children living in urban environment of the Altai region with asthma and/or rhinitis

Sensitization spectrum in pre-school children with asthma and/or rhinitis remains unclear. Objective. Our aim was to estimate the allergen sensitization in preschool children living in urban environment of the Altai region with asthma and/or rhinitis. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional survey was performed in 182 children aged from 3 to 6 years suffering from asthma and/or rhinitis in 5 cities of Altai region. Asthma was diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, allergic rhinitis was diagnosed according to the ARIA guidelines. ImmunoCAP and skin prick test were used to assess sensitization spectrum. Results. Among the 182 patients 144 (79,1%) had sensitization at least to one allergen. Sensitization to one allergen was detected in 38.5% of children, sensitization to 2 or more allergens - in 40,6%. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was detected in 46,7%, to birch pollen - in 37,3%, to cat epithelium - in 27,4% of patients. Sensitization to food allergens was detected only in 10,4%. Conclusion. The study revealed a high frequency of sensitization to 2 or more allergens - in 79,1% of 3-6 years old children with asthma and/or rhinitis . Most often, preschool children with asthma and/or rhinitis are sensitized to 3 inhaled allergens - to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (46,7%), to birch pollen (37,3%) and to cat epithelium (27,4%).

Evaluation of the manufacturer-dependent differences in specific immunoglobulin E results for indoor allergens

BackgroundEven though allergies are an important health issue, the detected amount of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) has differed widely between manufacturers in the past, and even as recently as this year. These discrepancies hinder diagnostics and can even impact allergen immunotherapy. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the development and status quo of the quality of in vitro diagnostic testing for house dust mites (HDM) and cat epithelium, 2 important indoor allergen sources. MethodsWe analyzed data on the allergen sources European HDM, American HDM, and cat epithelium, which were collected by the Society for Promoting Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratories (INSTAND e.V.) during 7 years as part of External Quality Assessment schemes (EQAs). A pseudoanonymized comparison was made of the semiquantitative data and allergen-class results of the 4 main suppliers of in vitro diagnostic sIgE tests. Coefficients of variation (CV) were determined in order to evaluate interlaboratory comparability. ResultsIn vitro allergy diagnostic testing for the major allergen sources HDM and cat epithelium still reveals manufacturer-dependent differences. Despite this, a cautious trend was found towards an alignment of the results and interlaboratory comparability, with the exception of 1 supplier. ConclusionEven though these results are promising, future EQAs have to be closely monitored to ensure this positive trend is not just a snapshot.

Allergen variability and house dust mite sensitivity in pre-school children with allergic complaints.

Yazıcı S, Güneş S, Kurtuluş-Çokboz M, Kemer Ö, Baranlı G, Aşık-Akman S, Can D. Allergen variability and house dust mite sensitivity in pre-school children with allergic complaints. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 41-49. The increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases in pre-school children who are often at home may be due to an increase in house dust mite sensitivity, which is rarely expected in this age group. In our study, it was aimed to investigate allergen sensitivities, especially house dust mite sensitivity in pre-school children with allergic disease complaints by skin prick test (SPT). Two hundred and twenty children admitted to the Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Balıkesir University between October 2015 and October 2016 diagnosed with asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, atopic dermatitis or urticaria were involved in the retrospective cross-sectional study. Allergen groups used in SPT were Dermatophagoides farina (Derf), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), Alternaria alternata, cat epithelium, pollen mixture and food mixture. Average age of the 220 patients was 2.98 years (2.75-3.21). SPT was positive in 55.9% of patients. Sixteen percent were monosensitized and 73.8% were polysensitized. Seventy two children (32.7%) were sensitive to Der f and 67 (30.4%) were sensitive to Der p. There was no difference between SPT positivity and gender (p > 0.05). Ninty-five children were diagnosed with asthma, 38 with asthma and allergic rhinitis, 63 with food allergy and 24 with urticaria and/or atopic dermatitis. SPT positivity was significantly higher in the asthma and allergic rhinitis group than other groups. As the age increased, significant increases in the sensitivities of Der f (p < 0.01), Der p (P < 0.01) and A. alternata (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease for food panel sensitivity (p < 0.01) were detected. Even though skin and food allergies were included in our study, house dust mite sensitivity was found much higher than other studies reporting ranges between 3.5-23% in children of the same age group with mainly respiratory complaints. It is concluded that the probable reasons for this increase, especially geographical features, should be investigated in different areas and in larger number of studies.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SENSITIZATION IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ATOPIC DERMATITIS FOR THE FIRST FOUR YEARS OF LIFE

Background. To reveal the regularities of sensitization formation in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) in first four years of life. Methods. Continuous crosssectional study of 69 children with an established diagnosis of AD from age 0 to 4 years was conducted. Severity was assessed according to the SCORAD scale. Clinical examination included: general and biochemical blood tests, determination of total IgE and allergenspecific IgE (IgEs) in serum against the most common epidermal and food allergens with ImmunoCAP, Phadia IDM (Sweden) technology. Results. Diagnostically significant levels of IgEs to these allergens had 68,11% of patients. Sensitization to cow’s milk was estimated in 38,98% (n=23), to chicken egg and its components in 67,92% (n=36), to chicken protein in 67,44% (n=29), to yolk in 54,28% (n=19), to cat epithelium in 47,5% (n=19) of children. Conclusion. Sensitization to food allergens marks the early development of sensitization to exogenous allergens, predominantly to the cat epithelium. Sensitization to house dust mites develops less frequently, but can also occur in children under one year of age. Sensitization to cat epithelium can accompany food sensitization as well as to be an independent cause of AD.

In vitro evidence of efficacy and safety of a polymerized cat dander extract for allergen immunotherapy

BackgroundAllergy to cat epithelia is highly prevalent, being the major recommendation for allergy sufferers its avoidance. However, this is not always feasible. Allergen specific immunotherapy is therefore recommended for these patients. The use of polymerized allergen extracts, allergoids, would allow to achieve the high allergen doses suggested to be effective while maintaining safety.ResultsCat native extract and its depigmented allergoid were manufactured and biochemically and immunochemically characterized. Protein and chromatographic profiles showed significant modification of the depigmented allergoid with respect to its corresponding native extract. However, the presence of different allergens (Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 3, Fel d 4 and Fel d 7) was confirmed in the allergoid. Differences in IgE-binding capacity were observed as loss of biological potency and lower stability of the IgE-allergen complex on surface plasmon resonance. The allergoid induced production of IgG antibodies able to block IgE-binding to native extract. Finally, studies carried out with peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from cat allergic patients showed that the allergoid induced IFN-γ and IL-10 production similar to that induced by native extract.ConclusionsCat depigmented allergoid induced production of cytokines involved in a Th1 and Treg response, was able to induce production of IgG-antibodies that blocks IgE-binding to cat native extract, and showed reduced interaction with IgE, suggesting greater safety than native extract while maintaining in vitro efficacy.

Patterns of Inhalant Allergen Sensitization and Geographical Variation in Korean Adults: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

PurposeInhalant allergen sensitization is one of the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases. However, the sensitization is determined by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Thus, testing panels of inhalant allergens may differ among geographical areas. Here we aimed to determine 10 common inhalant allergens in Korean adult patients with suspected respiratory allergies and to examine the variation between different geographical locations.MethodsA total of 28,954 patient records were retrieved for retrospective analysis, from 12 referral allergy clinics located in 9 different areas. Inclusion criteria were Korean adults (≥18 years old) who underwent the inhalant allergen skin prick test for suspected history of respiratory allergy. The primary outcome was inhalant allergen skin prick response. Demographic and clinical information were also collected. Positive skin prick responses to allergens were defined as allergen-to-histamine wheal ratio ≥1. Based on skin test results, the most prevalent aeroallergens were determined.ResultsThe overall prevalence of allergic sensitization was 45.3%. Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the most commonly sensitized allergens. Other common inhalant allergens were cat epithelium (8.1%), birch (7.7%), mugwort (6.9%), alder (6.7%), hazel (6.7%), beech (6.7%), oak (6.6%), and Tyrophagus putres (6.2%), in decreasing order frequency. These 10 inhalant allergens explained 90% of inhalant allergen sensitization in the study participants. However, distinct patterns of the 10 inhalant sensitization were observed in patients living in Chungnam and Jeju. American cockroach, Gernam cockroach, and Trichophyton metagrophytes were unique in Chungnam. Orchard, Japanese cedar, and Velvet were unique in Jeju.ConclusionsThe present analysis suggests a panel of 10 most common inhalant allergens in Korean adult patients with suspected respiratory allergies, which explained 90% of inhalant allergen sensitization. This panel can be utilized as a practical and convenient tool for primary practice and epidemiological surveys of respiratory allergic diseases.

Clinical relevance of IgE-mediated sensitization against the mould Alternaria alternata in children with asthma.

Background:Asthma in childhood has a prevalence of 5–10% in Germany and severe asthma accounts for about 5% in this patient group. Positive predictive values for severe asthma are atopy, a positive family history and sensitizations against inhalative allergens. Alternaria is an important inhalative allergen and sensitization is suspected to correlate with severe and lethal asthma. We investigated the prevalence and impact of Alternaria sensitization in paediatric asthma.Methods:We reviewed paediatric patients with a diagnosis of low-grade, moderate and severe asthma. Data collection included concomitant atopic diseases, sensitization profiles, family history and prior hospitalization for asthma exacerbation.Results:A total of 207 paediatric patients (aged 1–17 years) were included in the study. Overall, 25% had low-grade asthma, 31% moderate and 44% severe asthma and 26% were formerly hospitalized. Alternaria sensitization was the most common in moulds, although without significant correlation with hospitalization and severe asthma. Alternaria sensitization increased with age and was significantly associated with co-sensitization against other moulds, grass pollen and cat epithelia. Allergic rhinitis was significantly correlated with hospitalization, independent of Alternaria sensitization.Conclusions:Alternaria sensitization was common and increased with age. No significant correlation was found between asthma degree, hospitalization rates and sensitization profiles. Alternaria sensitization demonstrated no isolated risk factor for severe asthma and hospitalization.

Performance evaluation of allergen specific IgE antibodies measurement using capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Objective To evaluate the performance of common inhalant allergen specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) measurement using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Fooke™ system. Methods The performance of Fooke™ system was evaluated according to the CLSI EP documents. Specific IgE to 6 common inhalant allergens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (d1), Dermatophagoides farina (d2), cat epithelium and dander (e1), dog epithelium and dander (e5), Alternaria Alternata (m6) and mugwort pollen (w6), were measured by Fooke™ system. The precision, sensitivity, and linearity range were assessed. The results were compared with ImmunoCAP® system, collecting the compared samples from clinical patient serum from 25 May 2016 to 30 June 2016. Results The within run CVs of the 6 allergens were 3.60%-6.53%, and total CVs were 3.57%-7.46%, lower than the stated. Limit of quantitative determination was <0.35 KU/L, lower than the sensitivity stated. The linearity range of d1 and m6 was 0.37-94.30 KU/L (R2=0.999, P<0.001) and 0.35-89.80 KU/L (R2=0.998, P<0.001), which demonstrated a sound linear correlation.In the method comparison tests, the quantitative results between Fooke™ and ImmunoCAP® system had obvious linear correlation, R2 of d1, d2, e1, e5, m6 and w6 was 0.356, 0.473, 0.847, 0.478, 0.254 and 0.355, respectively, P<0.001. The negative, positive and overall agreement ratio of qualitative results was 99.2% (944/952), 82.1% (528/643) and 92.3% (1 472/1 595), with high level of agreement (Kappa=0.835, P<0.001). The ranked agreement ratio was 91.5% (1 459/1 595). Conclusions Fooke™ system (Capture ELISA) is domestically produced, automated and quantitative allergen sIgE detecting system, which showed high precision and sensitivity, and sound correlation with ImmunoCAP® system, meeting the testing requirement. Fooke™ system has practical value, which is a new option for clinical application.(Chin J Lab Med, 2016, 39: 824-828) Key words: Allergens; Immunoglobulin E; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Immunoenzyme techniques

Common Environmental Allergens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Their Use in the Diagnosis of Allergic Diseases by Skin Test

Much human allergy is caused by a limited number of inhaled small proteins called allergens. Allergens are relatively large and complex molecules, such as pollens, molds, mites and house dust, which are capable of eliciting allergic reactions in susceptible persons. This study was conducted to identify the most common allergens in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Allergens were collected from different areas in the kingdom and used to prepare allergenic extracts to be used as diagnostic kits for diagnosis of allergy by skin prick test. The study included 494 patients diagnosed as truly allergic from five different areas in KSA; Jeddah, Riyadh, Al- Ehsaa, Al-Khobar, and Khamis Mushait. The study revealed that the mean prevalence of allergy in KSA is 24.7%. Using the locally prepared Saudi allergens, the most common allergens in KSA differed from one area to the other. They were Mites DF (49.1%), House dust mite (42.9%), and Mites DP (39.3%) in Al-Khobar, Mites DF (51.5%), Mite DP (48.5%), and house dust mite (39.8%) in Jeddah, Salsola kali (60.7%), Mites DP (52.3%), and Mites DF (48.6%) in Al-Ehsaa, Mites DP (56.7%), Mites DF (53.6%), Cat epithelium (46.4%) in Riyadh, and Salsola kali (54.7%), Mites DP (48%), and Prosopis (42.7%) in Khamis Mushait. These differences were attributed to many variable factors as environmental factors, geographical variation, and general change in indoor and outdoor environments. To assess the validity of Saudi allergenic extracts, they were compared to an imported kit; Canadian Omega kit. Although excellent validity was recorded for some allergens, validity of Saudi allergens was generally ranged from good to poor. This may be attributed to incomplete purity of collected allergens, different method for preparation and manufacturing, or may be due to different Saudi strain of the same allergen from the imported allergen. Adjustment of the methods of extraction, clarification, purification, and concentration of allergenic extracts was recommended. Reevaluation of methods and tools of allergy diagnosis in KSA keeping in consideration the common local allergens in the kingdom together with training of its physicians and doctors were also recommended.

Allergic sensitization prevalence in a children and adolescent population of northeastern Greece region

ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of allergic sensitization in a childhood and adolescent population, to explore age- and gender-specific variations and finally to discover co-sensitivities among allergens. MethodsA two-stage cross-sectional survey among school-aged children. The two stages of the study involved enrollment of schools and then skin prick testing (SPT) within schools. A total of 675 school children were included in the study. Of those, 231 were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (AR), according to the medical history as provided by parental-completed questionnaires and positive SPT results. The antigen panel consisted of common allergens and more specifically house dust mites-HDM (Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), grass mix, trees (olive, cypress and pine), weeds (Parietaria spp.), cat and dog epithelium and moulds (Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp.). The SPT sensitivity was graded according to SPT-USA Standards. ResultsThe overall prevalence rate of AR was 34.22%. In total, 93 school children (40.3%) were mono- and 138 (59.7%) were poly-sensitized. Overall, the most prevalent sensitizations in decreasing order were to HDM (59.74%), to grasses (48.9%), to Alternaria (34.6%) and to olive (14.71%). There were no age- and sex-specific differences, except for Alternaria mould that showed a significant prevalence among primary school-aged children and predominance in the female gender, by contrast to grass pollen allergy that was predominant to males. A 32% of SPT-positive individuals were not aware of their allergy, with no statistically significant differences between ages. Co-sensitivities were detected for grass pollens and pine and olive trees, for Alternaria and Cladosporium moulds, for cypress and pine trees, and finally for dog and cat danders. ConclusionsGiven data among school-aged children should be a baseline from which to monitor disease trends and is considered important for the optimal management of AR patients.

Dose dependence of efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy

A number of experimental and clinical evidence has shown that exposure to high amounts of allergen molecules favours the development of tolerance. This is true also for subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), for which a dose dependence of clinical efficacy was clearly demonstrated. The effective doses, measured as microg of major allergens, to be administered during maintenance treatment were established for the main allergens. Regarding pollens, the range of effectiveness corresponds to 25-41 and 13-20 microg of major allergens Phl p 5 and Phl p 6 for grasses, to 10-47 microg of Amb a 1 for ragweed, to 12 microg of Bet v 1 for birch, and to 6.2 microg of Par j 1 for Parietaria. With house dust mites, a maintenance dose of 5-11.5 microg of the major allergen from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Der p 1 is associated to clinically relevant effects, and with cat epithelium the clinical success is observed using a dose of 13-15 microg of Fel d 1. Nevertheless, there are adverse reactions facing SCIT, which are related to the amount of injected allergen. In fact, the safety decreases when the administered doses increase. This has led to "optimal doses" being defined which show a good balance between efficacy and safety (corresponding for example to a dose of 7 microg for Der p 1 and of 13 microg for Fel d 1). The dose dependency with respect to both efficacy and safety makes essential to accurately consider the risk/benefit ratio in each patient eligible for SCIT.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Depigmented-Polymerized Extract of Cat Epithelia

In Vitro Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Depigmented-Polymerized Extract of Cat Epithelia