Specific Immunoglobulin Research Articles

Polysensitisation is associated with more severe symptoms: The reality of patients with allergy.

Studying the sensitisation profiles of patients with allergies allows for a deeper understanding of the disease which may facilitate the selection of the best-personalised allergen immunotherapy. This observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study aimed to demonstrate the heterogeneity of the German population with allergies by analysing specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) patterns towards aeroallergens and exploring the relationship between sensitisation and clinical symptoms. In total, 500 patients with allergies from different regions of Germany were recruited based on their case histories, clinical allergic symptoms and skin prick test data for aeroallergens. Serum samples were analysed using ImmunoCAP assays to determine sIgE levels for 33 allergenic sources and 43 molecular allergens. Most patients (81%) were polysensitised. Betula verrucosa pollen was the most common cause of sensitisation (59%), followed by Phleum pratense (58%) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (44%). The highest prevalence rates of molecular allergens were observed for Bet v 1 (84%) from birch pollen, Phl p 1 from grass pollen (82%), Der p 2 (69%) from mites and Fel d 1 (69%) from cat. Polysensitisation was significantly associated with the presence of asthma and the severity of rhinitis symptoms. Our findings show a high rate of polysensitisation and emphasise the importance of molecular diagnosis for more precise and comprehensive insights into sensitisation patterns and their association with clinical symptoms. These data may help improve personalised diagnosis and immunotherapy adapted to the needs of individual patients in the region.

Unveiling the threat: Balochistan's path to congo virus endemicity

Dear Madam, The detection of 16 cases of Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in the Balochistan province this year (1) and a 2020 study indicating a seroprevalence of 2.7% in humans and 36.2% in livestock in Pakistan, with Balochistan showing a significantly higher prevalence in the collected samples (2), has raised concerns about the region's susceptibility to becoming an endemic area for this tick-borne zoonotic disease. Balochistan's arid climate creates an ideal environment for Hyalomma Marginatum ticks to thrive, thereby increasing the risk of transmission. Rural areas, which constitute a significant proportion of Balochistan, are generally more affected due to livestock farming, which plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy. However, urban areas in Pakistan experience higher infection rates during Eid-Ul-Adha when there is a large-scale animal trade, with increased incidence in high-risk groups, like butchers, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals. The region also encounters challenges due to the cross-border movement of livestock and infected individuals with neighbouring countries, like Afghanistan and Iran, where the virus is endemic (3). Another contributing factor to the endemicity of the virus is the perception of neglect, resulting in limited resources, inadequate vector control and healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient awareness and preventive measures (3), which create significant obstacles in the early detection and management of virus-borne diseases. A Bulgarian vaccine introduced in 1974 led to a decline in cases from 1974 to 1996, but there is insufficient statistical evidence to attribute this decline solely to the vaccine. Thus, there is no universally recognised vaccination available for the virus currently. However, researchers are working to create an effective vaccine (4). Currently, treatment for CCHFV involves supportive care and antivirals, like ribavirin. Although treatments-FDA-approved treatments in use, including steroids, convalescent serum, and specific immunoglobulins, it’s important to note that these treatments are experimental and require further evaluation of their efficacy and safety profile (5). The most effective approach to reducing the prevalence of CCHFV in Balochistan is through prevention methods, including raising awareness among high-risk groups, especially butchers who should wear appropriate protection, handle slaughter in designated areas, and ensure proper waste disposal (4). It is also crucial to discourage tourists from visiting areas where ticks are prevalent, and local law enforcement should limit the unrestricted movement of livestock. Additionally, programmes should be introduced to vaccinate animals against the virus, and suspected animals should be quarantined.

Feasibility of using a combination of staphylococcal superantigen-like proteins 3, 7 and 11 in a fusion vaccine for Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant bacterial pathogen in both community and hospital settings, and the escalation of antimicrobial-resistant strains is of immense global concern. Vaccination is an inviting long-term strategy to curb staphylococcal disease, but identification of an effective vaccine has proved to be challenging. Three well-characterized, ubiquitous, secreted immune evasion factors from the staphylococcal superantigen-like (SSL) protein family were selected for the development of a vaccine. Wild-type SSL3, 7 and 11, which inhibit signaling through Toll-like receptor 2, cleavage of complement component 5 and neutrophil function, respectively, were successfully combined into a stable, active fusion protein (PolySSL7311). Vaccination of mice with an attenuated form of the PolySSL7311 protein stimulated significantly elevated specific immunoglobulin G and splenocyte proliferation responses to each component relative to adjuvant-only controls. Vaccination with PolySSL7311, but not a mixture of the individual proteins, led to a > 102 reduction in S.aureus tissue burden compared with controls after peritoneal challenge. Comparable antibody responses were elicited after coadministration of the vaccine in either AddaVax (an analog of MF59) or an Alum-based adjuvant; but only AddaVax conferred a significant reduction in bacterial load, aligning with other studies that suggest both cellular and humoral immune responses are necessary for protective immunity to S. aureus. Anti-sera from mice immunized with PolySSL7311, but not individual proteins, partially neutralized the functional activities of SSL7. This study confirms the importance of these SSLs for the survival of S. aureus in vivo and suggests that PolySSL7311 is a promising vaccine candidate.

Studying of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tectorigenin in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice models.

Allergic asthma is an important respiratory system problem characterized by airway inflammation, breathlessness, and bronchoconstriction. Allergic asthma and its outcomes are triggered by type 2 allergic immune responses. Tectorigenin is a methoxy-isoflavone with anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of tectorigenin on the pathophysiology of allergic asthma in an animal model. Asthmatic mice were treated with tectorigenin. Then airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophil percentage, levels of interleukin (IL)-33, IL-25, IL-13, IL-5, IL-4, total and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, and lung histopathology were evaluated. Tectorigenin significantly (P 〈 0.05) reduced eosinophil infiltration (41 ± 7%) in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum IL-5 level (41 ± 5, pg/mL), and bronchial and vascular inflammation (scores of 1.3 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.3, respectively) but had no significant effects on AHR, serum levels of IL-33, -25, -13, and -4 (403 ± 24, 56 ± 7, 154 ± 11, and 89 ± 6 pg/mL, respectively), total and OVA-specific IgE (2684 ± 265 and 264 ± 19 ng/mL, respectively), goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucus production. Tectorigenin could control inflammation and the secretion of inflammatory mediators of asthma, so it can be regarded as a potential antiasthma treatment with the ability to control eosinophilia-related problems.

(1024) - Not Only Against Cytomegalovirus - Combined Prophylaxis with Antivirals and Specific Immunoglobulins Reduces Acute Rejection Rates

(1024) - Not Only Against Cytomegalovirus - Combined Prophylaxis with Antivirals and Specific Immunoglobulins Reduces Acute Rejection Rates

Evaluation of the local and systemic pattern of sensitization to allergens in patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

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 persuasivelyevidenced. 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. 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. 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. The results of this study support the role of allergy in the pathogenesis of ATH and confirmed local allergic inflammation in tonsillar tissue.

Management of food allergy based on oral food challenge.

Food allergy is a growing health problem that affects both patients and society in multiple ways. Despite the emergence of novel diagnostic tools, such as component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) and basophil activation tests (BAT), oral food challenge (OFC) still plays an indispensable role in the management of food allergies. This review aimed to highlight the indications and safety concerns of conducting an OFC and to provide insights into post-OFC management based on recent findings. Standardized OFC protocols have regional diversification, especially in Japan and Western countries. Recent studies suggested that the interval between doses should be at least more than an hour. Furthermore, applying a stepwise method tailored to the patient's specific immunoglobulin E level and history of anaphylaxis seems to mitigate these risks. Recent surveys have shown that, following a positive OFC, options other than strict avoidance are also selected. OFC serves diverse purposes, yet the risks it carries warrant caution. The stepwise protocol appears promising for its safety. Subthreshold consumption following OFC shows potential; however, further research on its efficacy and safety is required. Management following OFC should be tailored and well discussed between clinicians and patients.

Preservation of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies in Breast Milk: Impact of Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection.

Objectives: To investigate specific immunoglobulin A (sIgA), specific immunoglobulin G (sIgG), and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in breast milk and compare immunity in mothers with hybrid immunity (infection and vaccination) versus those solely vaccinated (coronavirus disease [COVID]-naïve). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among lactating mothers who received at least two doses of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine or tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Details of vaccination and infection were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Fifteen milliliters of breast milk samples, self-collected at 1, 3, and 6 months postvaccination or infection, were sent to analysis for sIgA, sIgG, and NAbs using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In total, 119 lactating mothers (202 milk samples) were enrolled; 82 participants had hybrid immunity, and 32 were COVID-19-naïve. Two-thirds received a combination of different vaccines and booster shots. Breast milk retained sIgA, sIgG, and NAbs for up to 6 months post-COVID vaccination or infection. At 3 months, mothers with hybrid immunity had significantly higher sIgA and NAbs compared with COVID-naïve mothers (geometric mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] of sIgA 2.72 [1.94-3.8] vs. 1.44 [0.83-2.48]; NAbs 86.83 [84.9-88.8] vs. 81.28 [76.02-86.9]). No differences in sIgA, sIgG, and NAbs were observed between lactating mothers receiving two, three, or more than or equal to three doses, regardless of hybrid immunity or COVID-naïve status. Conclusion: sIgA, sIgG, and NAbs against SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk sustained for up to 6 months postimmunization and infection. Higher immunity was found in mothers with hybrid immunity. These transferred immunities confirm in vitro protection, supporting the safety of breastfeeding during and after COVID-19 vaccination or infection.

Acceptance, safety, and immunogenicity of a booster dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines showed impaired immunogenicity in some autoimmune diseases, but it remains unclear in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This study aimed to explore the antibody response to the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in individuals with PBC, as well as to evaluate coverage, safety, and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine among them. Two cohorts of patients with PBC were enrolled in this study. One cohort was arranged to evaluate the immunogenicity of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, another cohort participated in an online survey. The titers of the anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), neutralizing antibody (NAb) toward severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 wild-type, and NAb toward Omicron BA.4/5 subvariants were detected to assess antibody response from the vaccine. After booster vaccination for more than six months, patients with PBC had significantly lowered levels of anti-RBD-specific IgG compared to HCs, and the inhibition rates of NAb toward wild-type also declined in individuals with PBC. The detected levels of NAb toward Omicron BA.4/5 were below the positive threshold in patients with PBC and HCs. Laboratory parameters did not significantly correlate with any of the three antibodies. The online survey revealed that 24% of patients with PBC received three COVID-19 vaccines, while 63% were unimmunized. Adverse effect rates after the first, second, and third vaccine doses were 6.1%, 10.3%, and 9.5%, respectively. Unvaccinated patients with PBC were more worried about the safety of the vaccine than those who were vaccinated (P = 0.004). As a result, this study fills the immunological assessment gap in patients with PBC who received inactivated COVID-19 vaccines.

A measles IgM rapid diagnostic test to address challenges with national measles surveillance and response in Malaysia.

A lateral flow rapid diagnostic test (RDT) enables detection of measles specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody in serum, capillary blood, and oral fluid with accuracy consistent with enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The objectives of the study were: 1) to assess measles RDT inter-reader agreement between two clinic staff; 2) to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the measles RDT relative to standard surveillance testing in a low transmission setting; 3) to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of staff in clinics using the RDT; and 4) to assess the impact of RDT testing on the measles public health response in Malaysia. The clinic-based prospective evaluation included all suspected measles cases captured by routine measles surveillance at 34 purposely selected clinics in 15 health districts in Malaysia between September 2019 and June 2020, following day-long regional trainings on RDT use. Following informed consent, four specimens were collected from each suspected case, including those routinely collected for standard surveillance [serum for EIA and throat swabs for quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)] together with capillary blood and oral fluid tested with RDTs during the study. RDT impact was evaluated by comparing the rapidity of measles public health response between the pre-RDT implementation (December 2018 to August 2019) and RDT implementation periods (September 2019 to June 2020). To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of RDT use, staff involved in the public health management of measles at the selected sites were surveyed. Among the 436 suspect cases, agreement of direct visual readings of measles RDT devices between two health clinic staff was 99% for capillary blood (k = 0.94) and 97% for oral fluid (k = 0.90) specimens. Of the total, 45 (10%) were positive by measles IgM EIA (n = 44, including five also positive by RT-qPCR) or RT-qPCR only (n = 1), and 38 were positive by RDT (using either capillary blood or oral fluid). Using measles IgM EIA or RT-qPCR as reference, RDT sensitivity using capillary blood was 43% (95% CI: 30%-58%) and specificity was 98% (95% CI: 96%-99%); using oral fluid, sensitivity (26%, 95% CI: 15%-40%) and specificity (97%, 95% CI: 94%-98%) were lower. Nine months after training, RDT knowledge was high among staff involved with the public health management of measles (average quiz score of 80%) and was highest among those who received formal training (88%), followed by those trained during supervisory visits (83%). During the RDT implementation period, the number of days from case confirmation until initiation of public response decreased by about 5 days. The measles IgM RDT shows >95% inter-reader agreement, high retention of RDT knowledge, and a more rapid public health response. However, despite ≥95% RDT specificity using capillary blood or oral fluid, RDT sensitivity was <45%. Higher-powered studies using highly specific IgM assays and systematic RT-qPCR for case confirmation are needed to establish the role of RDT in measles elimination settings.

Immunization of BALB/c mice against virulent Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis by vaccination with recombinant OrF

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that remains challenging despite the development of numerous vaccines. Several problems with existing live attenuated vaccines have led researchers to develop new vaccines. To determine if inducing immune responses against virB12 proteins can offer protection against brucellosis, this study evaluated the production of immune responses against virB12 proteins. The purification of orf gene was accomplished using cloning, expression, and western blot evaluation. Six-week-old female BALB/C mice were subcutaneously injected with 16 g of roprf three times at intervals of 10 days. Blood samples were examined for specific total serum immunoglobulin (IgG)1, IgG, and IgG2a levels via indirect ELISA. Cell-free culture media were assayed by specific ELISAs to assess interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, IL-12, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels. This method resulted in significantly higher yields of recombinant Orfs (rOrfs), measured at 3.4 mg from 1 l of induced culture. Mice immunized with rOprF produced significantly higher levels of IL-12, IL-4, and IFN-γ, but no significant differences in IL-10 production compared to other groups of mice. On the other hand, mice immunized with rOrfs developed significantly higher levels of IgG1, IgG, and IgG2a compared to other groups. Overall, the findings imply that rOrfs stimulates defense against Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus and may be a candidate for subunit brucellosis vaccine development.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Immunoglobulin E Levels, Allergen-Specific Sensitivities, and Clinical Manifestations in Allergic Dermatological Conditions: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China.

To assess the correlations between Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, pruritus, and lesion severity in patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or urticaria. A retrospective study was conducted and data of 814 patients who visited the dermatology or allergy clinics of multiple hospitals, from December 2019 to December 2021, were collected. Patients were divided into children group (<18 years, 325 cases), adult group (18-60 years, 435 cases), and older population group (>60 years, 54 cases) based on the age. Baseline information, pruritus severity, severity of skin lesions, total IgE level, and specific IgE level were recorded to analyze the complex relationship between them. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis in the children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The positive rate of specific IgE in children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01). The IgE levels in children with moderate pruritus were significantly lower than those of severe pruritus (63.39vs 114.42 IU/mL, P < 0.05). The IgE levels in children with mild and moderate skin lesions were significantly lower than those in children with severe skin lesions (58.95 vs 72.88 vs 169.15 IU/mL, P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively). Relationships among age, severity of skin pruritus and lesions, and allergen-specific IgE response are complex and subtle, displaying dynamic patterns.

Performance of eight commercial immunoassays for the detection of cytomegalovirus-specific IgM antibodies in pregnancy - no test fits all needs.

Detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies as first-line serologic diagnosis plays an important role in identifying CMV primary infection during pregnancy. The performance characteristics of eight commercially available CMV IgM assays were compared. Sensitivity and IgM antibody kinetics were assessed using 100 acute phase and follow-up sera from 39 pregnant women with a well-defined onset of CMV primary infection. Specificity was analyzed using 50 well-characterized serum samples from pregnant women not infected or latently infected with CMV and from patients with other acute infections. Until 12 weeks after the onset of primary infection, four assays showed sensitivities of 100%, whereas the others had individual gaps to detect all primary infections in this time period. All assays showed a time-dependent decrease of IgM levels. More than 12 weeks after the onset of infection, the IgM-positive rates varied considerably between tests. The specificity was between 92% and 98% in all but one assay. The observed differences in the performance characteristics must be taken into account in CMV screening and diagnosis of primary infection during pregnancy.

A vaccine targeting antigen-presenting cells through CD40 induces protective immunity against Nipah disease

Nipah virus (NiV) has been recently ranked by the World Health Organization as being among the top eight emerging pathogens likely to cause major epidemics, whereas no therapeutics or vaccines have yet been approved. We report a method to deliver immunogenic epitopes from NiV through the targeting of the CD40 receptor of antigen-presenting cells by fusing a selected humanized anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody to the Nipah glycoprotein with conserved NiV fusion and nucleocapsid peptides. In the African green monkey model, CD40.NiV induces specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG as well as cross-neutralizing responses against circulating NiV strains and Hendra virus and Tcell responses. Challenge experiments using a NiV-B strain demonstrate the high protective efficacy of the vaccine, with all vaccinated animals surviving and showing no significant clinical signs or virus replication, suggesting that the CD40.NiV vaccine conferred sterilizing immunity. Overall, results obtained with the CD40.NiV vaccine are highly promising in terms of the breadth and efficacy against NiV.

Immunoassay Testing of Alpha-Gal Specific Immunoglobulin-E: Data from a National Reference Laboratory.

Immunoassay measurements of serum alpha-gal (AG) specific IgE (sIgE) enable antibody detection and quantification with high sensitivity and specificity and are essential for AG syndrome diagnosis and patient management. We here present and analyze results from over 15 000 patient serum samples tested using the ImmunoCAP (Thermo/Phadia) assay. AG-sIgE levels and positivity rates were correlated to patient age, gender, geographic location, repeat testing results, sIgE levels to co-tested red meat whole allergen extracts, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) serology performed on a subset of patient samples. Of the tested samples, 36.7% contained detectable (>0.1 KUA/L) AG-sIgE. Antibody levels were higher in patients of older age, in samples submitted from lower midwestern and southern states, and during the June-December period of the year. Specific IgE to co-tested red meat whole allergens showed moderate to strong correlation to AG-sIgE and were of lower levels. Samples with positive RMSF IgG titers (≥1:64) were of overall higher AG-IgE levels. Findings are consistent with the role of lone star ticks in AG syndrome pathogenesis. Levels of measured sIgE to AG are higher than co-tested sIgE to red meat whole allergen, consistent with the improved diagnostic performance of component-resolved testing.

À propos d’un cas pédiatrique d’allergie au kaki

Food allergy to persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is exceedingly rare. We report a case involving a 3.33-year-old child who experienced an episode of palpebral edema with pruritus and facial erythema following the first ingestion of this fruit. Allergological investigation reveals a biological sensitivity to persimmon, with specific immunoglobulin E levels at 0,79 kU/L, as well as a positive skin prick tests to persimmon fresh extract. An oral provocation test was also conducted, demonstrating no reaction to the ingestion of 1 then 2 grams of persimmon, but a similar reaction to the initial episode when ingesting 5 grams (resulting in a total cumulative dose of 8 grams). Our observation describes the pediatric manifestations of this allergy along with a literature review.

Serological monitoring of actual natural focal infections in the Rostov Region (2020–2022)

Objective: to study the level of the immune layer of the population to pathogens of natural focal infectious diseases in order to establish the epidemic activity of natural foci of particularly dangerous infectious diseases in the Rostov region.Materials and methods: blood serums of healthy donors living in the administrative territories of the region were collected in the period from 2020 to 2022. Specific antibodies in blood sera were determined by the ELISA method. Serum specific IgG class immunoglobulins were used as a serological marker of the transmitted infection.Results: IgG to the Crimean hemorrhagic fever virus was not detected in 2020. In 2021, the share of seropositive results was 0.7%, in 2022 — 2.0%. The proportion of IgG to West Nile virus in 2020 was 8.7%, in 2021 — 9.9%, in 2022 — 12.4%. Serological testing revealed an immune layer to ixodic tick–borne borreliosis in 2020–2022: 3.1%, 2.6% and 2.0%, respectively. Antibodies to hantaviruses, pathogens of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in the blood of residents of the region in 2020 were found in 7.0% of samples, in 2021 — 4.5%, in 2022 — 7.1%. The share of positive samples in the study for Ku fever in 2022 was 2.3%. Conclusion: Seropositive samples were detected for all studied natural focal infections. The greatest variety of natural focal infections confirmed by serological monitoring data was detected in cities (Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, Zernograd, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky) and districts of RO (Salsky, Neklinovsky, Remontnensky).Conclusion. The results of the serological monitoring made it possible to identify the circulation of pathogens of KGL, LZN, ICB, Ku fever, hantaviruses in the territory of two districts of the region. The detection of specific antibodies in the blood sera of healthy donors indicates the epidemic activity of natural foci. Also, a comprehensive study of healthy donors expanded the understanding of the area of the most relevant natural focal infections such as (KGL, LZN, ICB), and less frequently registered at present (HFRS and Ku fever).

Oral Ingestion of Yuzu Seed Oil Suppresses the Development of Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice.

Long-term oral ingestion of unheated yuzu seed oil in humans reduces lipid peroxides in the blood. Moreover, yuzu seed oil contains limonin, which can induce antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by activating the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Previously, Nrf2 has been shown to reduce atopic dermatitis (AD). Therefore, we hypothesized that ingesting unheated yuzu seed oil can regulate AD through Nrf2. An AD model was established using NC/Nga mice through repeated local exposure to mite antigens. Unheated and purified yuzu seed oil (100 µL/mice) or water (control, 100 µL/mice) was administered orally once a day using a gastric cannula for rodents for 28 days. On day 28, mice in the unheated yuzu seed oil group exhibited significantly lower clinical skin severity scores and ear thickness than those in the purified yuzu seed oil and water groups. Serum histamine levels remained unaltered among the three AD-induced groups. Serum Dermatophagoides farina body (Dfb)-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were significantly lower in the unheated yuzu seed oil group. Oral ingestion of yuzu seed oil in NC/Nga AD model mice significantly suppressed dermatitis deterioration and decreased serum IgE levels. Clinical trials (n = 41) have already confirmed that unheated yuzu oil is safe for long-term intake, further suggesting its potential use in improving AD symptoms.

Baseline Severity and Disease Duration Can Predict the Response to Allergen-specific Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) has confirmed its efficacy in improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, no reliable biomarkers have been identified to predict the efficacy of AIT were found. We aimed to find clinical and immunological markers to predict efficacy in children after 2 years of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). A total of 285 children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were recruited. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing endpoint and baseline symptom and medication scores (SMS). Baseline clinical and immunological markers (serum total and specific immunoglobulin [Ig]E) and their correlation with clinical efficacy were analyzed. Of the 285 children recruited, 249 completed the 2-year SLIT program. After 2 years of SLIT, 68.3% of the children showed a significant response. Children in the Remarkable Response Group had the highest baseline SMS and most extended disease duration, followed by the Effective Relief and Unresponsive Group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that SMS improvement was positively correlated with baseline SMS (r=0.67) and disease duration (r=0.35). SMS improvement was not correlated with age, body mass index, total or specific IgE levels, or their ratios. Our results show that baseline SMS and disease duration can predict the efficacy of SLIT. Our study can guide the selection of suitable candidates for SLIT.

Detection of Immunoglobulin G to Poliovirus in Children 5-10 Years Old in Minna, Nigeria

In the Minna, data on the seroprevalence rate of antibodies to poliovirus serotypes which can be used to determine children’s immune status and the vaccine efficacy against poliomyelitis is sparse. This study aim was to detect immunoglobulin G to poliovirus in children aged 5-10 years old in Minna, Nigeria. About 2 mL of blood was collected by venipuncture from 91 children selected randomly from various health care facilities across Minna. Blood samples were centrifuged to obtain the sera. The detection of poliovirus specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was done using polyclonal Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection test kits. In this study, all the children had detectable level of antibodies, 85 (93.4%) children consisting of 49 (53.8%) males and 36 (39.6%) females showed protective level of antibodies (seropositive). Seropositivity rate of 96.8% (30/31), 94.0% (31/33) and 88.9% (24/27) was recorded among children aged 9-10, 7-8 and 5-6 years old respectively. About 74.7% (68/91) of the participants were weak responder (concentration of antibodies &lt;50 U/mL) to the vaccines received with low seroconversion rates while 6.6% (6/91) of the children had sub-protective level of antibodies (seronegative). Age, sex, parents’ occupation, mothers’ educational status and drinking water source had no significant association (p&gt;0.05) with seroprevalence rates while fathers’ educational status showed significant statistical association with seroprevalence rate (p&lt;0.05). High seropositivity was recorded in this study, nation-wide seroprevalence is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the progress made so far in sustaining polio-free status.