Weed Pollen Research Articles

Co-reactivity between related and unrelated environmental allergens in equine allergen-specific IgE serology testing in the UK.

Identification of environmental allergens in horses with allergic disease facilitates allergen avoidance and targeted immunotherapy. To evaluate allergenic co-reactivity between 44 environmental allergens. Horses with suspected allergic disease (n=344) whose sera were submitted for environmental allergen testing. Allergen-specific IgE serological assays were performed using 44 allergens divided into six taxonomically related groups: house dust/storage mites, moulds, insects, grass, tree and weed pollens. Using pairwise comparisons, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for each environmental pair to determine if there was increased or decreased likelihood of a positive result for one allergen, given a positive result to another. The OR significance was set (using Holm-Bonferroni correction) at P<0.00006 for all horses (n=344) and P<0.00005 for horses with at least one positive reaction (n=239). Using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests (significance at P<0.05), differences in mean log e ORs between three groups, taxonomically related allergens with a statistically significant association (related-associated), related allergens lacking a significant association (related-nonassociated) and unrelated allergens were tested. Statistically significant associations were found between both related and unrelated allergen pairs, the former being more frequent. For all horses (n=344) and horses with at least one positive reaction (n=239), co-reactivity ranged from 100% (grasses) to 0% (moulds). The weeds group was exceptional in having more co-reactions with another group (grasses). Co-reactivity was shown within and between certain related allergen groups. Further studies are required to determine whether this is the result of antigenic cross-reactivity.

Similar Allergenicity to Different Artemisia Species Is a Consequence of Highly Cross-Reactive Art v 1-Like Molecules.

Background and objectives: Pollens of weeds are relevant elicitors of type I allergies. While many Artemisia species occur worldwide, allergy research so far has only focused on Artemisia vulgaris. We aimed to characterize other prevalent Artemisia species regarding their allergen profiles. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts of pollen from seven Artemisia species were characterized by gel electrophoresis and ELISA using sera from mugwort pollen-allergic patients (n = 11). The cDNA sequences of defensin–proline-linked proteins (DPLPs) were obtained, and purified proteins were tested in a competition ELISA, in rat basophil mediator release assays, and for activation of Jurkat T cells transduced with an Art v 1-specific TCR. IgE cross-reactivity to other allergens was evaluated using ImmunoCAP and ISAC. Results: The protein patterns of Artemisia spp. pollen extracts were similar in gel electrophoresis, with a major band at 24 kDa corresponding to DPLPs, like the previously identified Art v 1. Natural Art v 1 potently inhibited IgE binding to immobilized pollen extracts. Six novel Art v 1 homologs with high sequence identity and equivalent IgE reactivity were identified and termed Art ab 1, Art an 1, Art c 1, Art f 1, Art l 1, and Art t 1. All proteins triggered mediator release and cross-reacted at the T cell level. The Artemisia extracts contained additional IgE cross-reactive molecules from the nonspecific lipid transfer protein, pectate lyase, profilin, and polcalcin family. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that DPLPs in various Artemisia species have high allergenic potential. Therefore, related Artemisia species need to be considered to be allergen elicitors, especially due to the consideration of potential geographic expansion due to climatic changes.

A real-life study of the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy against weed allergies in the Serbian population

IntroductionIn the Serbian population allergy to weed pollen is the most common type of pollen-associated allergy, ahead of grass and tree pollens. Besides causing discomfort, allergy to pollen is often associated with rhinitis and asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only treatment that can lead to potential long-term immune modification while reducing development of new sensitization and halting disease progression. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) to weeds in the adult patient population using vaccine produced by the local Serbian Torlak Institute for virology, vaccines and serum. MethodsAdult patients with a clinical history of allergic rhinitis with and without asthma were included in the study. IgE-mediated sensitization to grass, tree and weed pollens was confirmed by skin prick testing and/or positive specific IgE. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with allergy to tree and grass pollen and patients with allergy to weeds. All patients received SLIT for three years, either with or without additional symptomatic therapy. ResultsThree-year SLIT therapy led to significant improvement in several parameters, including skin-prick reactivity, decrease in specific IgE and use of symptomatic therapy, with mild adverse effects and high patient satisfaction concerning therapy. ConclusionThree-year SLIT is a safe and efficient treatment option for respiratory allergy to weeds. Further observations in a larger number of patients could provide a better epidemiological evaluation of SLIT, but the positive effects we observed in our study may be considered representative despite the small number of patients.

The impact of weather and climate on pollen concentrations in Denver, Colorado, 2010-2018

BackgroundIncreasing evidence indicates that climate change is affecting the timing of pollen season and concentrations of allergenic pollens. To date, pollen trends and their associations with meteorological variables have not been studied in most of the United States. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of weather and climate on pollen concentrations and pollen season timing in Denver, Colorado. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed tree, grass, and weed pollen counts and meteorological variables from 2010-2018 using linear and Poisson regression models. ResultsPollen season timing did not demonstrate uniform trends from 2010 to 2018. Certain species demonstrated earlier season start dates (linden, oak) or end dates (birch, maple), and others had later end dates (oak, grass). Only a few species demonstrated changes in season duration (linden, oak, maple, birch) and peak date (maple, birch). Pollen concentrations either remained stable or increased over the years. Temperature and carbon dioxide levels increased over the study period, with the exception of decreased temperature in August. Wind speed remained stable or decreased over the study period. ConclusionThis study illustrates the complex interactions between pollens and meteorology. Meteorological variables associated with climate change do appear to affect allergenic pollens, though the relationship is variable both amongst pollens and from year to year.

Weed pollen season trends in relation to atmospheric co2 changes in Indiana and Ohio

Weed pollen season trends in relation to atmospheric co2 changes in Indiana and Ohio

Do Conocarpus erectus airborne pollen grains exacerbate autumnal thunderstorm asthma attacks in Ahvaz, Iran?

A disastrous outbreak of thunderstorm-induced asthma attacks posed a major public health threat in Ahvaz, Iran in autumn of 2013 (>15,000 referrals to hospital emergency rooms and pulmonary clinics). City officials claimed that promoting factors included acid rain, particulate matter, ozone, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHS) could lead to this phenomenon. After these potential causes were rejected by careful research, the next possible cause that this study addresses is a potential link of the asthma attacks to airborne pollen grains and fungal spores. In order to sample these parameters, a Hirst-type volumetric spore sampler was used, which was installed on the rooftop of the sampling site. Sampling was done during two six-month periods to characterize the regional bioaerosol. The first period included the autumn (September 22 to December 20 of 2016) and winter seasons (December 21 of 2016 to March 19 of 2017), while the second period included the following autumn (September 23 to December 21 of 2017) and winter seasons (December 22 of 2017 to March 20 of 2018). In both studied periods, airborne weed pollen grains, especially Amaranthaceae sp., were by far the greatest contributor to total airborne pollen grain concentrations (50.45%, 3757 pollen grains/m3 and 52.12%, 2392 pollen grains/m3, respectively). Among fungal spores, Cladosporium had the highest concentrations (75.29%, 258677 spores/m3 and 80.33%, 247693 spores/m3, respectively). Findings also showed that concentrations of airborne pollen grains were higher in autumn seasons (6361 and 4167 pollen grains/m3, respectively) in comparison with winter seasons (1085 and 423 pollen grains/m3, respectively), while the concentrations of fungal spores were enhanced in winter seasons (189216 and 160962 spores/m3, respectively) versus autumn seasons (154377 and 147377 spores/m3, respectively). Fungal spores exhibited a uniform distribution during the entire study period, but airborne pollen grains were significantly higher in autumn seasons. The numbers of referrals associated with thunderstorm asthma attacks decreased drastically after implementing Conocarpus erectus tree pruning activities. We concluded that the autumnal thunderstorm asthma attacks in Ahvaz might be triggered by a combination of bio-allergens (fungal spores and airborne pollen grains such as from Conocarpus erectus) and high levels of air pollutants from industrial activity. The results of this work suggest controlling bio-allergen levels by preventive measures such as tree pruning, weed removal, and emasculating urban green infrastructures before the flowering season.

Meet the pollen counters

Every spring, microscopic grains of tree, weed, and grass pollen are released, bringing seasonal allergies with them. It’s a busy time of year for both allergists and certified pollen counters, who...

Evolution of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (part 1): from first developments to mechanism-driven therapy concepts

Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is the classic causal treatment method for IgE-mediated allergic respiratory disease. A growing understanding of the fundamentals of immunological mechanisms sets the path for further clinical improvement of this treatment. Innovations in SCIT comprise both treatment schedules and new forms of allergen extracts applied. Nonmodified allergen preparations in the form of aqueous or physically coupled (semidepot) extracts, as well as chemically modified allergens (allergoids) are currently on the market for SCIT in Germany. However, to date the clinical documentation of SCIT products in clinical studies is heterogeneous. A selective literature search was conducted in PubMed and Medline, and recent publications in German-language journals not available in these literature databases were also analyzed. This literature search comprised original and review articles both in German and in English. SCIT is a long-established and well-documented treatment method for inhalant and insect venom allergies, with its efficacy and safety demonstrated in both the adult as well as in the pediatric population. In line with the German Therapy Allergen Ordinance (TAV) several products for SCIT are currently being investigated in clinical trials. Treatment schedules are continuous year-round (perennial), preseasonal, and combined pre-/coseasonal. The initial up-dosing phase can be performed with standard, cluster or rush procedures. SCIT is particularly well established for frequently occurring inhalant allergens such as pollen from grasses, Betula sp. (birch, alder, hazel), house dust mites (Dermatophagoides sp.), and insect venoms (bee and wasp venoms). However, good data are also available for a number of other therapeutic allergens, e.g., weed pollen such as ragweed, mugwort, etc., molds, e.g., Alternaria, Cladosporium, etc., storage mites, and animal dander (e.g., cat). Moreover, further clinical investigations on new indications such as treatment effects on e.g., oral allergy syndrome or atopic dermatitis are currently underway. When adequately administered by physicians with allergological expertise, SCIT preparations are safe, well-tolerated, and clinically effective.

Analysis of the Serum Cytokine Profile in Allergic Patients Opens a Way to Personalized Treatment of Allergy.

Plant lipid transfer proteins and homologues of the main birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 are involved in the development of allergic reactions of varying severity to plant foods and pollen. In this study, the sera from patients with tree and weed pollen allergies in the Moscow region were examined. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IFNγ, TNFα, and TNFβ cytokines were determined in the sera of patients with specific IgE antibodies to Bet v 1 and Pru p 3 allergens. It was confirmed that patients with pollen allergy are often characterized by Th2 response of the immune system, though other mechanisms of allergy development occurred in some cases. The data obtained demonstrate the necessity of detailed analysis of the individual mechanism of allergic reactions and patient-centered approach to the personalized allergy treatment.

The efficacy of allergen-immunotherapy in patients with pollen allergy in the Central and Western regions of Ukraine considering the specifics of their sensitization

Various sorts of weed plants with allergenic properties are extended on the territory of Ukraine. Weed’s distribution has regional characteristics. Clinically significant weed allergens are found in pollen from wormwood, ragweed, quinoa, plantain, and thistle. The main treatment for hay fever is allergen immunotherapy. The modern development of molecular diagnostics makes it possible to clearly identify the main allergen of weed pollen and, on this basis, offer the patient a personalized choice of allergen immunotherapy with the possibility of predicting its effectiveness. In order to determine the characteristics of sensitization to weeds in patients of the Central and Western regions of Ukraine and to evaluate the effectiveness of sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT), 1.400 patients from 3 to 65 years of age were examined in these regions. Patients were evaluated general laboratory and instrumental studies, skin prick-tests (SPT), level total serum and specific IgE and component studies. A two-year course of immunotherapy was performed using sublingual allergens of wormwood and ragweed. Evaluation of the effectiveness of SLIT was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). According to the results of the study, positive SPT for mugwort was detected 1.2 times more often among patients in the western regions compared with the central regions. Regarding sensitization to ragweed, on the contrary, it was 3.2 times more often observed in patients of the central region. Component diagnostic data confirmed the results of SPT. Patients taking SLIT showed significantly lower VAS (P &lt; 0.05) compared with patients receiving symptomatic therapy. The regional characteristics of sensitization to various types of weeds were found. Latent sensitization to ragweed is increasingly found in patients in the western regions of Ukraine. Use in patients with AR and/or BA SLIT with standardized allergens is an effective and safe treatment method that allows you to quickly control symptoms.&#x0D;

Analysis of allergic reaction in IgG4-related disease

It is reported that allergic disorders are often complicated to immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) [1]. High expression of type 2 helper T (Th2) cytokines has been confirmed in the involved organs of this disease [2]. However, it is unknown whether allergic reactions to any allergen are the causes of IgG4-RD. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the involvement of allergic reactions in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD by evaluating specific IgE for several allergens in patients and analyzing the relationship between levels of serum IgG4, IgE, and peripheral counts of eosinophils. The cases comprised 281 subjects with IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis (IgG4-DS) who visited Sapporo Medical University Hospital between April 1997 and December 2017. All subjects satisfied the comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD [3]. At the first visit, we interviewed the subjects regarding their allergic symptoms, determined the peripheral eosinophil counts, measured the levels of serum IgG, IgG4, and IgE, and performed screening for IgEs against specific allergens. We used the following enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits: Human IgG ELISA Kit (ab100547, Abcam, Cambridge, UK) and IgG4 Human ELISA Kit (BMS2095, Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Yokohama, Japan). The levels of serum IgE were measured using the radioimmunosorbent test. For the screening, IgEs against specific allergens were measured using the radioallergosorbent test. The following allergens were evaluated by fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay: birch pollen, cedar pollen, moth scales, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Poaceae pollens, weed pollens, food allergens, grain allergens, animal epithelia, and mold allergens. We measured specific IgEs using CAP system (Phadia 1000TM, Thermo Fischer Scientific Inc., Uppsala, Sweden). We analyzed for correlations between the laboratory data, including the peripheral eosinophil counts and the levels of serum IgG4 and IgE. We also compared the clinical features between the patients with IgEs against specific allergens (the positive group) and the patients without IgEs against specific allergens (the negative group).

Temporal Analysis of the Relationship between Meteorological Factors and Pollen Abundance in Raleigh, North Carolina

Introduction: Climate change affects both meteorological factors and plant processes. As earth’s average climate conditions warm, it is predicted that pollen will produce even more allergenic spores in areas where it already exists, like Raleigh, North Carolina, becoming a serious human health issue. Methods: In order to observe climate and pollen relationships, pollen counts are plotted against temperature, humidity (in the form of dew point temperature), and precipitation in Raleigh, North Carolina from February 2, 1999 to September 4, 2018. Linear regression tools in Microsoft Excel were used to analyze annual and seasonal data that had been aggregated by month. Results: The annual data revealed the strongest correlation between the increased temperature in the area and pollen count, particularly in tree pollen species. Conversely, the seasonal data for spring showed a stronger correlation between average precipitation and pollen count. Conclusions: The IPCC has predicted that temperature and precipitation will both continue to rise and, based on historical data, it is likely that the relationship between pollen and temperature, as supported by annual tree pollen data, as well as the relationship between pollen and precipitation, as supported by weed and grass seasonal pollen analysis, will increase the pollen counts in Raleigh. While a direct correlation cannot be concluded definitively, the results indicate that temperature is related to tree pollen count and precipitation is related to grass and weed pollen count. Keywords: pollen, climate change, temperature, precipitation, humidity

Incidence of sensitization to specific inhalatory allergens in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis

Backgound/Aim. Allergic rhinitis is the most frequent type of rhinitis affecting more than 600 million people worldwide. As incidence increases, it is important to know about the characteristics, the allergens that exacerbate it as well as effects of allergic rhinitis on population. The aim of this study was to determine among patients with chronic rhinitis the number of patients positive to standard inhaled allergens, their distribution by sex, age and to determine the type and frequency of allergic sensitization to specific inhalatory allergens. Methods. Data was collected from 514 patients tested for standard inhalatory allergens via the skin prick test from 01.01.2016 to 31.12. 2016. Age, sex and concomitant diseases as well an analysis of type and frequency of hypersensitivity to different allergens were assessed and recorded. Results. Of 514 patients, 307 patients, with an average age of 29.6 ? 8.88 years had a positive skin prick test. The sex ratio was 1.2 : 1 in favor of the females. Outdoor allergens affected 81.2% of all patients while indoor allergens 66.4% of them. Weed pollen (71%), grass pollen (61%) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (46%) were the most common allergens. Most patients were sensitized to 1 (22%) or 2 (22%) allergens, while 20% of patients were simultaneously sensitized to 3 allergens. Conclusion. Most patients with the symptoms of chronic rhinitis had a positive allergic reaction. Those in their third decade of life were the most commonly affected. Outdoor allergens were the most prevalent allergen group, and weed pollen was the most frequent type of allergen.

Allergens in weed pollen

Allergens in weed pollen

LONG-TERM RESULTS OF AIRBORNE POLLEN SURVEYS IN THE JAPANESE ARCHIPELAGO FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF POLLEN ANTIGEN

In 1986, the Ministry of Health and Welfare started an airborne pollen survey as part of measures against JC pollinosis. We reported the important tree pollen antigens in 2016. We have now estimated the longitudinal investigated results for successful prevention and treatment for allergic symptoms related to grass and weed pollen in Japan. Since July 1986 we have monitored airborne pollen, year- round, using a gravitational pollen sampler (Durham's sampler), at more than 20 locations across Japan. Specimens were mailed to our facility, where they were stained with Calberla solution, counted under an optical microscope, and converted to the number of pollen per square centimeter. For convenience the number of collected pollen were compiled every six months, with the January to June samples classified as spring pollen and the July to December as autumn pollen even same family. Total pollen counts at each location were extremely small compared to tree-pollen, averaging 73~650 pollen grains per year. The Sagamihara location had the greatest count. Unlike cedar and cypress there were no significant annual fluctuations, but grass and Ambrosia pollen counts are increasing in some regions. Spring grass pollen gave the largest count, at 30% of the total collected. This indicated we need to examine the rinoconjuctivitis and oral allergy syndrome related to herbaceous pollen carefully.The importance of airborne pollen surveys for the treatment of the patients with pollen allergies was suggested.

Recent changing pattern of aeroallergen sensitization in children with allergic diseases: A single center study

Purpose: Allergic diseases have been increasing worldwide over the past few decades. Allergic sensitization is a pivotal risk factor for the development of allergic diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in allergic sensitization patterns of aero allergens over the last 10 years in children with respiratory allergic diseases. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 12,848 children under the age of 18 years who received skin prick tests (n=3,852) or serum specific IgE tests (n=8,996) to evaluate sensitization from 2007 to 2016 in a single center, Seoul, Korea. Results: Sensitization rate to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) reached a plateau in preschool (28.3%-32.8%) and schoolchildren (45.8%-47.2%). Sensitization rate to animal dander (cat and dog) was increasing from 8.4% to 12.5% in preschool children and from 10.3% to 18.6% in schoolchildren (trend P<0.001 each). In preschool children, tree (birch, oak, and alder; from 3.5% to 6.4%), grass (timothy; from 0.8% to 6.5%), weed (ragweed and mugwort; from 2.8% to 6.9%) pol lens and mold (Alternaria; from 2.5% to 6.0%) were also in similar increasing pattern (trend P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.003, and P<0.001, respectively). Additionally, tree (from 9.0% to 15.2%), grass (from 2.6% to 5.2%) pollens were also in increasing pattern in schoolchildren (trend P<0.001 and P=0.024, respectively). Conclusion: Over the past 10 years, sensitization patterns of aeroallergen have been changing in Korean children with allergic dis eases. We should pay attention to the changing patterns of allergic sensitization to educate and prevent the allergic disease. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2019;7:186-191)

A study on the correlation between outbreak of allergic rhinitis and airborne pollen in September

Purpose: Various studies have investigated factors related to the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR). We studied the correlation be tween the outbreaks of AR and airborne pollen in September. Methods: According to data from the National Health Insurance Service, the number of AR cases was increased from 2012 to 2016. During the same period, the number of patients with upper respiratory tract infection, respiratory virus detection rate, air pollutants, and concentration of airborne pollen were correlated with the occurrence of AR in correlation analysis. Results: The number of patients with AR showed increasing biphasic patters in the spring and fall with the peak reached in Septem ber (278,487±12,894), while April marked the fifth-highest figure with 241,570±132,677. The concentration of airborne pollen was highest at 4,450 grains/m3 in May, followed by 3,597 grains/m3 in April, marking its peak in the spring. September marked the third-highest level at 1,619 grains/m3. According to the monthly correlation between the number of patients with AR and pollen, Seoul and Daejeon showed correlations of ρ=0.929 (P=0.022) and ρ=0.955 (P=0.011), respectively, in September. There were no signifi cant correlations among AR, air pollutants, and respiratory virus detection rate. Conclusion: Based on this study, the monthly number of patients with AR was the highest in September. In September, we found the correlation between allergic rhinitis and pollen, although there are regional limitations, regarding outbreaks in the number of patients with AR. Further research and attention are needed to prepare measures against airborne weed pollen during the fall. (Al lergy Asthma Respir Dis 2019;7:192-198)

The danger of the spread dangerous quarantine weed — giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.)

The expansion of trade and economic relations with other countries increased the risk of importing new invasive types of weeds into the state. One of them is a serious danger weed — giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.). This weed with high speed and aggressiveness inhabits and displacing native species in agricultural and non-arable land, including landscapes of big cities. A. trifida extends to non-arable lands with disturbed natural vegetation. This species is spreading through the contamination of seeds and agricultural equipment. It damaged soybeans, legumes and corn, as well as other grain crops. Increasing of this weed pollen in the air is a source of a massive disease with allergies. At present, there is danger of entry by this weed to Ukraine from neighboring countries.

To Test or Not to Test? A Role for Comprehensive Food and Aeroallergen Testing in Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Introduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in adults is an important cause of dysphagia with treatment focused on proton pump inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, and food elimination diets. The role of allergy testing-selective elimination diets that excludes foods based upon skin testing has been questioned with strategies being replaced with increasing use of various modifications of the two, four, and six-food elimination plans. The object of this study was to retrospectively analyze our 10-year approach of comprehensively skin testing of foods and aeroallergens in adults with EoE and directing management based on these results. Methods: A medical records review of food and environmental allergy tests in adults referred for allergy evaluation with EoE between January1, 2006 through 2016. Subjects tested to a panel of 35 foods and 36 aeroallergens. Medical records were also reviewed to capture demographics, endoscopic findings, medication use, and symptoms. Results: Of the 186 adult subjects with EoE, approximately 90% of patients tested positive to at least one food or aeroallergen. The top ten food allergens were peanut>almond>green pea>soybean>green bean>egg>pistachio nut>wheat>corn>yeast. Of the aeroallergens, dust mite, cat, and tree, grass, and weed pollen were positive in over 35% of subjects. At follow-up, 83% (95/119) reported improvement in dysphagia following recommendations of food elimination and treatment of coexisting allergic conditions. Histologic improvement (61%; 19/31) and histologic remission (52%; 6/31) occurred in subjects with repeat endoscopy. Conclusion: With the rise in use of empiric food elimination diets, this study would suggest that an allergy evaluation that includes aeroallergen and broad food testing can still play a role in adults with EoE. Many of the foods currently included in the six-food elimination diet were also prevalent by allergy skin testing with some additional foods identified including the broader legumes (pea and bean), corn, yeast, rice, onion, garlic, oat, sesame seed, and coconut. Thus, a broad environmental and food allergy testing appears to be a complementary strategy to aid in the management of patients with EoE, especially in patients whom have experienced either failure or compliance issues with the empiric six-food elimination diet.

Evaluation of quality of life of patients with pollen allergy before and after sublingual immunotherapy course

In Ukraine, there are over 1.5 thousand types of weeds, which may provoke the development of allergic reactions. Based on our observation, most commonly sensitization to Artemisia and less often to Ambrosia is recorded in patients of Lviv region. The presence of clinical symptoms significantly deteriorates life quality of patients with pollen allergy and requires conduction of proper allergy immunotherapy. Aim. To analyze QOL of patients with allergy to weed pollen before and after conduction of sublingual immunotherapy based on a specialized questionnaire MiniRQLQ. Materials and methods. Totally, 485 individuals, 24.0 ± 4.5 years old were examined. Clinical diagnosis of AR was made according to ARIA criteria (2014). SPT to standard inhaled allergens (Diater-Laboratories, Spain), total serum and specific immunoglobulins IgE, IFA, type-specific components of allergens, immunofluorescent method immunoCAP (“Phadia AB”, Sweden) were determined. Analysis of life quality was performed based on questionnaire MiniMRQLQ. Results . Among patients of Lviv region with pollen allergy, the most commonly detected positive SPT were to Artemisia – in 62.3 %, less to Ambrosia – 13.9 % of individuals, combined sensitization – 23.8 % of patients. Among them, genuine allergy to Artemisia was confirmed in 88.1 %, to Ambrosia – 88.2 % of individuals, co-sensitization – in 21 patients. According to the results of molecular investigations, SLIT was performed for 69.6 % of patients (the 1 st group), 30.4 % of individuals were treated symptomatically (the 2 nd group). Based on questionnaire MiniRQLQ, it was revealed that QOL indices in patients with pollen allergy, who underwent SLIT, were reliably lower after the first and the second years of treatment compared to the indices before SLIT. Reliable changes were not detected in patients of the second group. Conclusions . Improvement of QOL indices after a course of SLIT indicated the high efficacy of this treatment method in patients with pollen allergy.