Common Allergens Research Articles

Predicting the Outcome of Pediatric Oral Food Challenges for Determining Tolerance Development.

Despite the risk of anaphylaxis, oral food challenges (OFCs) are performed clinically for various indications, particularly to confirm tolerance development. This study aimed to assess OFCs by relevant indications and build an outcome prediction model to help determine when to perform OFCs in children who are likely to have developed immune tolerance. In total, 432 pediatric OFCs were retrospectively analyzed according to indications. Clinical characteristics, serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, blood eosinophils, and specific IgE and IgG4 levels for food allergens were noted and compared. Machine learning was utilized to select the most important variables in determining the passage of the OFCs, and prediction models were constructed using the selected variables. OFCs were most commonly performed to confirm tolerance development (number, %; 267, 61.8%). The most common food allergens tested were egg (191, 44.2%) and milk (135, 31.3%). Children who passed the egg challenges for confirming tolerance acquisition had significantly lower egg white-specific IgE level (P = 0.008). Similarly, those who passed milk challenges had significantly lower cow's milk-specific IgE (P = 0.002) and casein-specific IgE levels (P = 0.005). We developed a nomogram to predict the outcome of OFCs to determine the tolerance acquisition with the selected variables; lower food-specific IgE, higher total IgE, and younger age indicated a higher probability of passage. The area under the curve (95% confidence interval) was 0.623 (0.503-0.743) for egg and 0.734 (0.628-0.840) for milk. Serum total IgE and food-specific IgE combined with age showed trends toward passing OFCs for confirming tolerance development. The constructed model may be used by clinicians as a practical guide for minimizing the risks of OFCs and a timely reintroduction for children with food allergies.

Role of Patch Testing in Facial Contact Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study from Central India.

Facial contact dermatitis is an emerging skin disorder due to the use of a large array of materials over the face. It leads to psychological distress in patients, impacting their quality of life. Most of the allergens applied over the face vary as per cosmetic or herbal products' availability, usage, or religious practices. Identifying and discontinuing the implicated allergens will lead to a better prognosis and reduced morbidity in clinical practice. To determine the frequency of different allergens responsible for causing facial contact dermatitis, in an urban part of central India, using patch test with the help of Indian standard and cosmetic series. All suspected patients (>18 years) of facial contact dermatitis visiting the outpatient department of dermatology were patch tested with both Indian standard and cosmetic series. Out of 38/58 patch-test-positive patients, 71.06% were females, and 28.94% were males. Most patch-test-positive females were housewives. The most common allergens implicated were thiomersal (17.24%), followed by fragrance mix (15.51%), and paraphenylene diamine (12.06%). In our study, forehead and malar areas were most commonly involved indicating fairness creams and perfumes as the important contributors to facial contact dermatitis. Antigen batteries need to be updated with changing social and cultural trends, as many with a consistent history of aggravation with some products tested negative in patch tests.

Analysis of IgE level influencing factors of common allergens for allergic rhinitis in northeastern China

ObjectivesThis thesis aims to provide patients with a preventive and therapeutic basis by analyzing IgE level influencing factors of common allergens for Allergic Rhinitis (AR). MethodMultiple linear regression analysis is made upon questionnaires among 749 cases of AR patients that are divided into 5 age-based groups. Perform serum-specific IgE content testing on patients. ResultsCockroach being an allergen, AR patients’ IgE Level is influenced by allergic history, home-raised plants and animals. For AR patients with mugwort as an allergen, allergy and asthma history could increase IgE level, respectively, β = 4.291 and β = 4.364. If the allergen turns out to be peanut, allergic history would increase the IgE level (β = 0.171), however, the level would be lower in female patients compared with male patients (β = -0.078). For patients with egg as an allergen, allergic history, home-raised plants and animals (pets) would all affect the IgE level, respectively, β = 0.182, β = 0.118 and β = -0.101. ConclusionsIgE level varies according to allergic history, home-raised plants & animals, gender, furniture renewal, asthma, and ages for patients with different allergens including cockroach, mold, mugwort, peanut, egg and crab. For each kind of allergen, the IgE levels react differently to different influencing factors, thus requiring a thorough analysis of each AR patient's allergen and allergenic factors.

Investigation of the effects of oclacitinib maleate on clinical improvement and serum cytokine levels in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The aim of this study was to present allergens involved in the etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs, to determine and classify the clinical severity of the disease using the CADESI-4 and pruritus scores, to investigate changes in serum cytokine levels in dogs with AD and their relationship with clinical findings, and to investigate the effects of oclacitinib maleate on clinical improvement and serum cytokine levels. The material of the study consisted of 20 dogs diagnosed with AD and 10 healthy dogs. CADESI and pVAS scores were obtained from the patients, and blood samples were taken. Hematological analyses, specific allergen tests (polycheck), and ELISA analyses were performed. Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel, Zoetis) was administered orally to the patient dogs at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg twice a day for 7 days. It was found that the most common allergens involved in the etiology of AD in dogs were house dust mites type 1, house dust mites type 2, and mold fungi, and the mean CADESI and pVAS scores for clinical findings such as pruritus, alopecia, erythema, and lichenification in dogs with AD were 48 and 5.15 respectively. When compared to the control group, an increase in the percentage of eosinophils (p < 0.05) and a decrease in serum IL-2 and IL-4 levels (p < 0.05) were detected. When compared to other groups, it was found that the mean serum IL-4 levels (p < 0.05) were low and IL-13 levels (p < 0.05) were high in the group with severe clinical findings. It was determined that the use of oclacitinib maleate resulted in clinical improvement and caused an increase in the mean serum IL-2 levels (p < 0.05) and a decrease in IL-31 and IL-33 levels (p < 0.05). Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel, Zoetis) was found to be an effective and reliable drug that can be used in the treatment of the disease, but it was concluded that the duration of use should be extended.

Impact of Aeroallergen Sensitization on Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

This study investigated the impact of aeroallergens on the development and progression of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with a focus on the specific associations between aeroallergens and CRS according to allergen type, number, and extent of sensitization. The medical records of 256 CRS patients were retrospectively analyzed. All were divided into nonallergic, house dust mite (HDM)-allergic, pollen-allergic, and double allergic groups via specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. Clinical characteristics, computed tomography (CT) scores, olfactory functions, and demographic data were compared. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the extent of allergen sensitization and CRS severity. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for hyposmia and anosmia. The allergic group exhibited higher total CT scores than the nonallergic group (P = 0.001). Sensitivity to HDM or pollen allergens alone was not significantly associated with increased CRS severity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of HDM and pollen allergens on CRS severity. However, the double allergic group exhibited significantly higher CT scores (P < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.003) than the other groups. Although the prevalence rates of anosmia and hyposmia were notably higher in the double allergic group, the difference was not statistically significant. The maximum specific IgE levels to HDM and pollen allergens positively correlated with the CT scores (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Allergen sensitization, particularly to multiple common allergens, contributed to CRS severity. CRS patients sensitized to both HDM and pollen allergens tended to experience the diminished olfactory function. These findings underscore the importance of considering the allergen sensitization pattern when assessing CRS severity and its potential progression.

Gender differences in allergic contact dermatitis to common allergens.

Gender-based differences in skin structure, physiology, and allergen exposure can influence contact dermatitis development. This study investigated the differences and trends in contact sensitizers, focusing on the top 10 allergens and personal care product (PCP) contact allergies from a gender perspective. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 5998 patients undergoing patch testing at an occupational and contact dermatitis clinic in a Thai, university-based, tertiary referral hospital from January 2001 to December 2021. Patients' characteristics and patch test results were collected. Females had a higher positive patch test rate than males (71.8% vs. 65%, p < 0.001). However, males showed a greater prevalence of occupationally related allergic contact dermatitis (15.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed associations between being female and allergies to colophonium (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-1.99, p = 0.019), formaldehyde (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.17-13.31, p = 0.010), fragrance mix I (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34-2.07, p < 0.001), MCI/MI (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.90-3.44, p < 0.001), neomycin (aOR 4.15, 95% CI 2.54-6.80, p < 0.001), and nickel (aOR 2.62, 95% CI 2.17-3.15, p < 0.001). Conversely, being male correlated with allergies to carba mix (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41-0.64, p < 0.001), epoxy resin (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.47, p < 0.001), n-isopropyl-n-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.83, p = 0.014), paraben mix (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.32-0.56, p < 0.001), and potassium dichromate (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.84, p < 0.001). Positive reactions to PCPs stood at 13% overall (males 17.1%, females 12.2%, p < 0.001). Gender plays a pivotal role in contact dermatitis. This work emphasises the importance of considering gender-specific factors when diagnosing and managing contact allergies.

Contact allergens in African countries: A review of published patch test studies

AbstractOnly few studies on contact allergy in African countries have been published. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of the most common contact allergens identified by the use of patch tests in African countries based on a review of the existing literature. A total of twenty‐four publications from eight African countries were initially identified by search in PubMed. The abstracts and method sections were screened, and 15 studies in which patch tests were actually used to identify the allergen causing the allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were finally selected. Nickel, cobalt, chromium, fragrance mix and p‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin were the dominating contact allergens responsible for 40%–90% of the positive patch test reactions. This study indicates that a targeted effort directed towards prevention, avoidance and regulation of reliably identified contact allergens could reduce the disease burden of ACD considerable in some African countries.

Do hypoallergenic skincare products contain fewer potential contact allergens?

Personal care products (PCPs) commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Skincare companies often market their products as 'hypoallergenic'; however, this term is not regulated by industry standards. To determine whether PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic are truly less likely to precipitate ACD, we conducted a study of ingredients found in 'hypoallergenic PCPs' from two major UK retailers in 2022. Of 208 products meeting the inclusion criteria, 153 (73.6%) contained at least 1 allergen or related chemical from the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy baseline series, 21 (10.1%) had 2 potential allergens and 4 PCPs (1.9%) had 3 allergens. Cetearyl alcohol was the most common -allergen identified in leave-on PCPs and parabens in rinse-off products; fragrance was the most frequent related chemical found in 85 PCPs (40.1%). A high prevalence of common allergens was found in hypoallergenic PCPs, suggesting that dermatologists and consumers should be cautious of product ingredients.

Rural parents’ adherence to infant feeding guidelines to prevent allergy: a cross sectional study in New South Wales

BackgroundResponding to international research showing that early introduction of common food allergens can reduce the chance of developing allergies, in 2016 the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) revised allergen introduction guidelines, recommending earlier introduction of allergens to infants in their first year. Australia has high food allergy rates, and limited understanding of adherence to allergen introduction guidelines, especially in rural areas. This project explored rural parent adherence to ASCIA guidelines.MethodsThis was a mixed method cross sectional study using an online survey including multiple-choice and qualitative short answer responses. The sample were 336 women from two rural health districts in New South Wales. All were aged 18 or over, and either pregnant or had delivered a baby since July 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to measure behavioural alignment with the recommended guidelines, thematic analysis was used to analyse attitudes and explanations.ResultsIn 84.3% of children, feeding adhered to all four guidelines studied, including no elimination of allergens during pregnancy (98%), age of introduction of solids (97.7%), continuation of breast milk/cow’s milk formula during introduction of solids (95%), and age of introduction of allergens (92.9%). Adherence was not significantly correlated with the education (X2 = 17.9, P = .056), prior history of allergy [neither mother (X2 = 0.945,P = .623) nor previous children (X2 = 0.401,P = .818)], or primary care received during pregnancy. More than 90% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the guidelines are realistic, trustworthy, and important for the health of their child. However, thematic analysis revealed that parents’ perceptions of a child’s individual progress, and medical conditions or other circumstances, such as challenges with breastfeeding, will often take precedence over adherence to specific guideline recommendations.ConclusionsHigh rates of adherence with ASCIA guidelines found here are comparable with findings from metropolitan studies and encouraging for future population health. Participant comments on the guidelines imply to rural policymakers that there are multiple influences on parent decisions about infant feeding, often including parents’ own intuition and experiences. Further studies to improve understanding of the role of information, carers, and other influences on parent decision-making concerning feeding attitudes and behaviours will be necessary to optimise adherence in rural areas.

Milk-induced anaphylaxis among children presenting to Canadian emergency departments

BackgroundCow's milk is one of the most common and burdensome allergens in pediatrics, and it can induce severe anaphylactic reactions in children. However, data on cow's milk-induced anaphylaxis are sparse. ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of pediatric cow's milk-induced anaphylaxis and to determine risk factors for repeat emergency department (ED) epinephrine administration. MethodsBetween April 2011 and May 2023, data were collected on children with anaphylaxis presenting to 10 Canadian EDs. A standardized form documenting symptoms, triggers, treatment, and outcome was used. Multivariate logistic regression was used. ResultsOf 3118 anaphylactic reactions, 319 milk-induced anaphylaxis cases were identified (10%). In the prehospital setting, 54% of patients with milk-induced anaphylaxis received intramuscular epinephrine. In those with milk-induced anaphylaxis, receiving epinephrine before presenting to the ED was associated with a reduced risk of requiring 2 or more epinephrine doses in the ED (adjusted odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.90-0.99]). Children younger than 5 years of age were more likely to experience a mild reaction compared with that in older children, who experienced a moderate reaction more often (P < .0001). Compared with other forms of food-induced anaphylaxis, children presenting with milk-induced anaphylaxis were younger; a greater proportion experienced wheezing and vomiting, and less experienced angioedema. ConclusionPrehospital epinephrine in pediatric milk-induced anaphylaxis is underused; however, it may decrease risk of requiring 2 ED epinephrine doses. Milk-induced anaphylaxis in children younger than 5 years of age may be less severe than in older children. Wheezing and vomiting are more prevalent in milk-induced anaphylaxis compared with that of other foods.

Preliminary analysis of seasonal pollen allergens of allergic rhinitis in a hospital of Nanchang City

The study was aimed to analyze the seasonal pollen allergen spectrum of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Nanchang city, and to provide evidence for improving the clinical diagnosis, treatment, prevention and epidemiology of seasonal AR. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the results of skin prick test (SPT) among 1 752 patients with AR in outpatient at Department of Otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from September 2020 to August 2021 (a total of 1 069 males and 683 females, age ranged from 2 to 84 years old). SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the positive rates of main allergens and their differences in gender, age, and month of visit. Differences among groups were compared by student t test, Wilcox rank sum test, or χ2 test. The results showed that among 1 752 SPT-positive patients, the number of simple seasonal AR and the number of perennial combined seasonal AR were 102 (5.82%) and 281 (16.04%), respectively. There was no significant difference between male and female patients in positive seasonal pollen allergens (χ2=2.181, P>0.05), but the positive rate of indoor seasonal pollen allergens in males was higher than that in females (χ2=7.901, P<0.05). The seasonal pollen allergens ranking top 5 of the positive rates were willow (6.62%, 116/1 752), humulus scandens (5.71%, 100/1 752), rape (5.54%, 97/1 752), grey pigweed (4.62%, 81/1 752) and birch (3.60%, 63/1 752). The positive rates of indoor and seasonal pollen allergens increased first and then decreased in different age groups, and the highest positive rates of seasonal pollen allergens were in the age group of 31-40 years old, with statistical significance compared with other groups (χ2=61.269, P<0.05). The seasonal allergen positive rate showed two peaks in time: March to May and September to November. The positive rate of pollen in spring was 60.27% (132/219), which was significantly higher than that in autumn (39.73%,87/219) (χ2=9.247, P<0.05). The positive rate of pollen combination in spring and autumn was 68.29% (112/164), which was significantly higher than that in spring and autumn alone (18.9%,31/164) and (12.8%, 21/164) (χ2=14.731, P<0.05). In summary, pollen allergy in Nanchang City cannot be ignored, accounting for more than 20% of the total number of AR. The incidence of seasonal AR in Nanchang City showed two peaks (March to May and September to November). The common allergens for seasonal AR in Nanchang City were willow, humulus scandens, rape, grey chenopods and birch.

Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of allergens with allergic skin diseases in a hospital in Beijing City from 2017 to 2021

Objectives: In order to provide valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis, the prevalence rate and trend changes of common allergens in patients with allergic skin diseases in Beijing City were investigated and analyzed. Methods: This study was a retrospective data collection study. A total of 2 822 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with allergen examinations were collected from Peking University First Hospital from 2017 to 2021, most of them were adults, and 83%(2 340/2 822) were over 18 years old. The ImmunoCAP fluorescent enzyme-linked immunoassay system was used to quantify specific IgE. The positive rate of each allergen was counted according to age, gender and year. The epidemiological characteristics and trends were analyzed. Results: In the past five years, 22 503 allergen-specific IgE test data were collected, and the positive rate of allergens in 40%(1 122/2 822) of the 2 822 patients was mainly multiple sensitization, the positive rate of allergens and multiple sensitization rates were the highest in people aged 13-18 years old. The 2 822 patients were dominated by inhaled allergens, and the highest positive rate was inhaled mixture (29.3%). The top five positive rates of inhaled allergens were Dermatophagoides farina (26.7%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (25.5%), Mugwort (23.9%), Birch pollen (19.2%) and Siberian cocklebur (18.2%). The top five positive rates of food allergens were shrimp (15.2%), peanut (14.8%), sesame (14.7%), wheat (13.2%) and milk (13.1%). Analysis of the positive rate of allergens in different age groups showed except for the positive rate of birch pollen peaked at 3-12 years old, other inhaled allergens were the highest food allergens in 13-18 years old. Among food allergens, the positive rates of fx5, milk, egg and wheat were the highest in <3 years old, the positive rate decreased gradually with age, and the positive rate of other food allergens peaked at 13-18 years old, and the shrimp and crab was the highest in adult. The positive rate of various allergens in the 2 822 patients showed little difference between male and female and the male was slightly higher than female. In the past five years, the positive rate of allergens has been on the rise. The changes of inhaled allergens in cat/dog hair dander, Dermatophagoides farina and cicadas were large, while the positive rate of food allergens was stable. Conclusions: The etiology of the allergic skin diseases is complex, which may be related to allergen exposure, heredity, immunity, environmental factors, abnormal skin barrier function, etc. This study showed the distribution of allergens in patients with allergic skin diseases in Beijing City to a certain extent. It provided epidemiological data and clinical evidence for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

Prevalence and Socioeconomic Impact of Allergic Rhinitis Among Ear, Nose, and Throat Patients of a Tertiary Hospital.

The objectives of this study were to establish the demographic factors of allergic rhinitis patients taking part in the study, to gain insight into the common symptoms experienced by patients with allergic rhinitis, to know the common allergens or triggers that lead to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and to determine the prevalence of other comorbidities associated with allergic rhinitis. The study was a cross-sectional hospital-based study encompassing both quantitative and qualitative features of the participants involved. The quantitative study involved collecting data on allergic rhinitis clients visiting our tertiary hospital, over the period of March 1, 2021, to June 25, 2021. The quantitative data included the gender and age groups commonly affected, the most common symptom, and the trigger identified. Whilst, the qualitative aspect of the study involved the socioeconomic impact of allergic rhinitis on the clients. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is 10% at the ENT clinic of our hospital. It was most common in the age group (19-35). Urban residents suffered more from allergic rhinitis than the rural residents. The main presenting complaint was sneezing and the commonest comorbid condition and trigger associated with allergic rhinitis were sinusitis and dust mites respectively. Twenty-nine percent of respondents had experienced reduced productivity at their workplace and in school. Twenty-one percent had experienced depression while 26% perceived the cost of treatment to be greatly expensive. The use of face masks was found not to be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in most clients. The conclusions reached at the end of this study were that the public must be educated on allergic rhinitis and to look out for the triggers, signs, and symptoms of it and then report early to the hospital for appropriate management.

Results of Patch Testing to Botanicals: Review of the Mayo Clinic Experience Over 2 Decades (1997-2017).

Background: Botanicals are increasingly incorporated into skincare products. Although allergic contact dermatitis due to botanicals is recognized, data describing the prevalence of positive patch tests to botanicals are sparse. Objective: To report the Mayo Clinic experience of patch testing to selected botanical products in the standard, extended standard, fragrance, and plant series. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective study of the Mayo Clinic experience with patch testing to botanicals from 1997 to 2017. Results: In total, 12,169 people were patch tested to botanicals in the standard, extended standard, fragrance, and plant series; 4032 were men and 8137 were women. The mean age of the population tested was 54 (standard deviation 17.7) years. Almost 11% (1320/12,169) of the patch-tested population exhibited positive reactions to at least 1 botanical agent. Myroxylon pereirae resin 25% was the most common positive allergen in the series. Patients who had positive reactions to at least 1 botanical agent were more (19.8%) likely to have a positive reaction to at least 1 additional botanical than those patients who did not have any positive tests. Most patients presented with generalized involvement (334) or involvement of the hands (284) or face (232). Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and patch test positivity associated with botanical products.

Could mosquito bites facilitate IgE sensitization to food and inhalant allergens?

We present an hypothesis that arthropod bites and stings can induce sensitization to concomitantly introduced food and inhalant allergens in human, and that contents of the sting and bite such as venom and saliva proteins act as adjuvants further facilitating sensitization. In food allergen sensitization, evidence presently supports the hypothesis that exposure through a disrupted skin-barrier is allergenic, and exposure to food proteins through ingestion is tolerogenic. Stinging and biting arthropods that breach skin barrier are known to provide IgE sensitization to their own venom and salivary allergens e. g. Hymenoptera and mosquito. Murine experiments have shown that content of venom from honeybee (phospholipase 2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase) facilitate IgE sensitization to a concomitantly introduced food allergen in the skin. Conserved biomolecules in saliva and venom present in several arthropod species (e.g. PLAs and hyaluronidases) are suggested to play a role as adjuvants in sensitization to concomitantly presented allergens during arthropod stings and bites. Tick bites have been shown to provide IgE sensitization to tick salivary allergens and IgE sensitization to non-primate mammalian red blood cell allergen Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, causing allergy to non-primate red meat, termed Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).Mosquitos may take up allergens such as pathogenesis related proteins (e.g. lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and PR-10) when feeding on plant nectar and sap and may take up animal derived allergens such as immunoglobulins, serum albumins and lipocalins from feeding on blood. It is proposed that plant and animal allergens, important in human allergic disease are carried on mouthparts or in gut of mosquitos and transferred into the skin of a human host during a mosquito bite. We hypothesize that sensitization to common food and inhalant allergens can occur facilitated by a mosquito bite, possibly facilitated by adjuvant factors such as PLA2 and hyaluronidase in mosquito saliva. The hypothesis may provide insight into basic mechanisms in IgE sensitization.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR WITH THE PRESENCE OF HOUSE DUST MITES IN STUDENT BOARDING ROOMS IN EAST CEMPAKA PUTIH AND THE REVIEW OF ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Introduction: House dust mites (HDM) are the most common allergen found in homes and spread worldwide. The factors that cause TDR life are behaviour and habits that rarely clean the bedroom. Currently, many students still need knowledge and behaviour regarding clean living. This study aims to determine the presence of house dust mites in student boarding rooms and their relationship with students' knowledge and behaviour towards house dust mites. Methods: This research method is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. This type of research is descriptive correlation research. The population and sample of this study were 50 students in boarding settlements in Cempaka Putih Timur Village, Cempaka Putih District, Central Jakarta. The sample used the Quota Sampling technique. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire. The testing method used is the validity and reliability test using the SPSS application. Data analysis techniques using univariate and bivariate analysis. Results: The results showed that the number of rooms with positive house dust mite presence was less than those with negative house dust mite presence. Than, mattress dust has a higher density of house dust mites. Most students had a good level of knowledge and positive behaviour. Conclusion: There is no significant corelation between knowledge and behaviour with the presence of house dust mites in boarding rooms students. In Islam, a Muslim must have extensive knowledge and good behaviour. Good Muslims will keep themselves and their environment clean so that they are away from sources of disease, including house dust mites.

Retrospective Analysis of Allergen Distribution Dynamics in Central Taiwan.

Introduction: Allergy is a type Ⅰ hypersensitivity reaction to certain substances (allergens) such as environmental factors, food and drugs. Allergies are a significant public health issue, and therefore, understanding the distribution patterns of allergens in specific regions is important. This study aimed to retrospectively analyse allergen distribution patterns in Central Taiwan over a 5years period (2018-2022). Methods: Data of patients who had allergen sensitization testing using the OPTIGEN® Allergen-Specific IgE Assay from the 1st of January 2018 to the 31st of December 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the prevalence and distribution of allergens in our study population. Results: A total of 8,444 patients (3,784 males and 4,660 females) who attended the Asia University Hospital for allergen detection were enrolled in this study. Dermatophagoides farina (41.8%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (37.9%), house dust (24.6%), cockroach mix (17.7%), crab (12.6%), clam (9.8%), shrimp (9.1%), cat dander (8.1%), pig weed (8%) and peanut (7.8%) were identified as the ten allergens that most commonly induced sensitization in our study population. Additionally, crab, clam, shrimp, peanut and beef were the five most common food allergens. Conclusion: In summary, our findings contribute significantly to the knowledge on allergen distribution in Central Taiwan. Our identification of prevalent allergens may contribute to an improved understanding of the epidemiology of allergies in this region.

IgE to common food allergens is associated with cardiovascular mortality in the National Health and Examination Survey and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

In individuals without symptomatic food allergy, food-specific IgE is considered clinically irrelevant. However, recent studies have suggested that galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) IgE is associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease. We sought to determine whether sensitization to common food allergens is associated with CV mortality. The association between IgE sensitization to foods and CV mortality ascertained to 2019 was examined in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 and the Wake Forest site of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort; MESA enrolled adults without baseline clinical CV diseases between 2000 and 2002. Total and specific IgE was measured to cow's milk, egg, peanut, shrimp, and a panel of aeroallergens (NHANES), and to cow's milk, alpha-gal, peanut, dust mite, and timothy grass (MESA). Cox proportional hazard models were constructed, adjusting for sex, age, race/ethnicity, smoking, education, and asthma. A total of 4414 adults from NHANES (229 CV deaths) and 960 from MESA (56 CV deaths) were included. In NHANES, sensitization to at least 1 food was associated with higher CV mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-2.4], P= .005). Milk sensitization was particularly associated (HR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1-3.8], P= .026), a finding replicated in MESA (HR, 3.8 [95% CI, 1.6-9.1], P= .003). Restricting analyses in NHANES to consumers of the relevant allergen strengthened food sensitization relationships, unmasking shrimp and peanut sensitization as additional risk factors for CV mortality. The finding that food sensitization is associated with increased risk of CV mortality challenges the current paradigm that sensitization without overt allergy is benign. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms of this association.

Skin Prick Automated Test device offers more reliable allergy test results compared to a manual skin prick test.

The skin prick test (SPT) is the gold standard for identifying allergic sensitization in individuals suspected of inhalant allergy. A novel device, SPAT or Skin Prick Automated Test, that enables more standardized allergy testing has been developed. Previous research has shown reduced intra-subject variability of histamine wheals by SPAT. This study aimed to evaluate within-test agreement (% of patients with consistent test results) to detect sensitization to common inhalant allergens when a SPT is executed automated by SPAT or by manual SPT (SPMT) procedure. The 110 volunteers prospectively enrolled underwent both SPAT and SPMT with 3 pricks of house dust mite, timothy grass and birch, 2 pricks of histamine and 1 prick of glycerol. The proportion of consistent (3x positive â€" 3 x negative) and inconsistent (2x positive/negative â€" 1x positive/negative) test results were analysed. The proportion of inconsistent test results was significantly lower in the SPAT compared to the SPMT group. The delta histamine to control pricks was significantly higher in SPAT compared to SPMT group. Coefficient of variation was lower in SPAT compared to SPMT for house dust mite, timothy grass, birch pollen. Visual analogue scale for discomfort was significantly lower in SPAT compared to SPMT group. SPAT showed a 34% reduction in the number of inconsistent test results compared to manual SPT with common inhalant allergens. Patient experience is significantly improved when an allergy test is performed by SPAT compared to a manual SPT.

Prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in children with and without atopic dermatitis: A multicenter retrospective case-control study.

As both allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) have similar clinical presentations and are characterized by spongiotic dermatitis on skin biopsy, many children with AD are not referred for patch testing and allergic contact dermatitis is underdiagnosed. To provide updated prevalence data of common contact allergens in children with and without AD. This is a retrospective case-control study using the Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry from 2018 to 2022. A total of 912 children were included (615 with AD and 297 without AD). Children with AD were more likely to have a longer history of dermatitis (4.1 vs 1.6years, P<.0001), have seen more providers (2.3 vs 2.1, P=.003), have greater than 1 positive patch test (PPT) result (P=.005), have a greater number of PPT results overall (2.3 vs 1.9, P=.012), and have a more generalized distribution of dermatitis (P=.001). PPT to bacitracin (P=.030), carba mix (P=.025), and cocamidopropyl betaine (P=.0007) were significantly increased in children with AD compared to those without AD. Technical variation between providers and potential for misclassification, selection, and recall biases. Children with AD are significantly more likely to have PPT reactions and should be referred for evaluation of allergic contact dermatitis and obtain patch testing.