Diagnostic and analytical performance of a screening panel for allergy

Author(s):  
Ileana Herzum ◽  
Nicole Blümer ◽  
Werner Kersten ◽  
Harald Renz

AbstractWorldwide, allergic diseases are increasing in prevalence and incidence. Early assessment of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitisation status has a major impact on clinical outcome and selection of therapeutic options. Recently, a number of new IgE-detecting test systems have entered the market, including screening tests allowing identification of a wide spectrum of sensitising allergens. We evaluated the analytical and diagnostic performance of the newly developed Allergy Screen test panel for atopy (Mediwiss Analytic, Moers, Germany). The evaluation was performed for four major respiratory and four major nutritional allergens in 142 patients with clinical suspicion of respiratory and/or food allergies. For all allergens, the test showed acceptable concordance to the skin-prick test and the in vitro IgE CAP system (Pharmacia, Freiburg, Germany). The analytical performance was acceptable, with CVs between 2 and 8% in the positive range and good dilution linearity (R=0.9735). Imprecision in the low IgE concentration range dramatically improved by lowering the cut-off value to 0.2IU/mL IgE. In conclusion, the Allergy Screen panel yields reliable results in the detection of allergic sensitisation to common allergens.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid M. Baba ◽  
Roohi Rasool ◽  
Ayaz Gull ◽  
Taha A. Qureshi ◽  
Afaq H. Beigh ◽  
...  

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment for allergic disorders that induces immunological tolerance through administration of specific allergens. Studies on AIT for subcutaneous route are in abundance; however, the efficacy of AIT in tablet form through sublingual route has not been well elucidated. The present prospective, parallel-group, controlled study sought to compare the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets with pharmacotherapy (PT) in 332 house dust mite (HDM)-specific allergic asthma and/or rhinitis patients over a period of 3 years. Patients were followed up for a 6-month run-in period and then randomly stratified as those who would receive SLIT, SLIT in addition to PT (SLIT+PT), and PT alone. AIT was administered in the form of sublingual tablets. Symptom and medication scores were measured every 3 months. In vitro evaluation of serum total and HDM specific immunoglobulin E (HDM sIgE) levels was carried out every 3 months, whereas in vivo skin prick test was performed annually for 3 years. Our study demonstrated sustained clinical improvement, reduction in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose and duration as well as prevention from development of neosensitization to other aero allergens in HDM-allergic asthmatics and/or rhinitis patients treated with 3 years SLIT. Despite a remarkable clinical improvement with AIT, we observed that SLIT did not significantly change the skin reactivity to HDM at 3 years and there was no significant change in the ratio of serum total and HDM sIgE. Given the immune and disease modifying effects of AIT in allergic diseases, the present study supports the notion of its sublingual mode being an effective long-term immunomodulator in HDM-sensitized nasobronchial allergies.


Antibodies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Jitesh Chauhan ◽  
Alex J. McCraw ◽  
Mano Nakamura ◽  
Gabriel Osborn ◽  
Heng Sheng Sow ◽  
...  

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are well known for their role in allergic diseases and for contributions to antiparasitic immune responses. Properties of this antibody class that mediate powerful effector functions may be redirected for the treatment of solid tumours. This has led to the rise of a new class of therapeutic antibodies to complement the armamentarium of approved tumour targeting antibodies, which to date are all IgG class. The perceived risk of type I hypersensitivity reactions following administration of IgE has necessitated particular consideration in the development of these therapeutic agents. Here, we bring together the properties of IgE antibodies pivotal to the hypothesis for superior antitumour activity compared to IgG, observations of in vitro and in vivo efficacy and mechanisms of action, and a focus on the safety considerations for this novel class of therapeutic agent. These include in vitro studies of potential hypersensitivity, selection of and observations from appropriate in vivo animal models and possible implications of the high degree of glycosylation of IgE. We also discuss the use of ex vivo predictive and monitoring clinical tools, as well as the risk mitigation steps employed in, and the preliminary outcomes from, the first-in-human clinical trial of a candidate anticancer IgE therapeutic.


1996 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquelynne P. Corey ◽  
Anil Gungor

The role of immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy in subjects with allergic disorders, especially in patients with rhinitis and sinusitis, is underestimated by clinicians because of the initial attribution of these disorders to immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. The difficulties of diagnosing food-related reactions have caused further delay in their recognition and incorporation into the daily practice of diagnosing food allergy. Two of the diagnostic methods for food allergy are the in vitro assay of total immunoglobulin E and the measurement of food-specific immunoglobulin E levels in serum with the radioallergosorbent test. Measurement of specific immunoglobulin E level is the most commonly used but also one of the most controversial techniques. We examined 123 patients with rhinitis who were referred to our otolaryngology/allergy clinic between January and April 1995. All patients received an initial radioallergosorbent test screen, which included milk. We determined the positive predictive value of this positive screen and, in particular, of a positive test for milk in the diagnosis of immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies in these patients. Conclusions were based on comparison with the result of an additional radioallergosorbent test food panel consisting of eight common and two investigational food allergens. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:312-8.)


PEDIATRICS ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 111 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 1672-1680
Author(s):  
Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn

Food allergy affects ∼2% of the general US population, and its prevalence seems to be increasing. Despite the potential for a fatal outcome, no definitive therapies are available for food allergy. This article reviews novel approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of food allergy. Improved diagnostic methods include more precise in vitro and in vivo tests for immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies, in vitro assays for predicting development of oral tolerance, and novel noninvasive tests for cell-mediated food allergies such as patch testing, cytokine assays, and detection of eosinophil activation markers. Several promising novel immunomodulatory approaches to food allergy are discussed, including monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E; probiotics; traditional Chinese medicine; and immunotherapy with modified food proteins, peptides, bacterial adjuvants, and immunostimulatory sequences.


2020 ◽  
Vol EJMM29 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-179
Author(s):  
Wafaa S. Metwally ◽  
Ghada A. Mokhtar

Background: Skin prick test (SPT) has been identified as the gold standard method to diagnose IgE mediated hypersensitivities; it is accurate, easy and cheap. However, SPT has some important limitations, so in vitro serum specific serum IgE (sSIgE) detection can be a good alternative. The diagnostic yield of sSIgE testing usually depends on the specific allergen. Objective: This study compares between SPT and sSIgE for diagnosis of allergy. Methodology: 61 allergic patients enrolled from Zagazig University Allergy and Immunology Unit, tested by SPT for the common allergens. Serum total IgE and specific IgE levels were measured and compared to SPT results. Results: The over- all sensitivities of sSIgE were excellent (75-100%) for most of allergens tested. PPV was excellent with some allergens (pollens, cockroaches, mites) and poor with others (cat hair). Sensitivity of mites sSIgE was excellent with PPV approaching 90%, specificiy was only 13%. However, the NPV was 100%. Significant level of agreement and correlation between the results of SPT and sSIgE for cockroaches and molds was reported. Positive correlation between the total levels of serum IgE and the diameter of wheal and flare of the SPT for mites, pollens and cockroaches was found. Conclusion: The sensitivities of sSIgE were excellent for most of allergens tested. Specificity of sSIgE varies between individual allergens. Serum specific IgE testing may be a good alternative to skin prick test if the latter could not be carried out.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsuan Lin ◽  
Hsing-Yu Chen ◽  
Jung-Chun Chiu ◽  
Kun-Jei Chen ◽  
Hung-Yao Ho ◽  
...  

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) Briq. is a traditional herbal medicine commonly used to treat allergic skin diseases, where the inflammation process is closely related to symptom severity. This study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effect of ST by using immunoglobulin E- (IgE-) stimulated RBL-2H3 cell cultures, a common cell line for studying mast cell degranulation and inflammatory cytokine release in vitro. After stimulating the RBL-2H3 cells with IgE, ST at concentrations of 10, 50, or 100 μg/mL was added to the cell cultures. Cell viability, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-13, IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and degranulation ability were examined 48 and 72 hours after administration of ST. The markers of inflammation and allergic reaction, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6, were suppressed, especially after treatment with 100 μg/mL ST. However, the anti-inflammation marker IL-10 was also suppressed by ST. Trend analysis showed that a higher ST concentration was associated with lower IFN-γ and TNF-α levels. Moreover, degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells was assessed by measuring the release of β-hexosaminidase, which was suppressed by ST at 10 μg/mL. This study showed an immunomodulatory effect of ST at the cellular level and suggests the role of ST in treating allergic diseases.


1997 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
RE Halliwell

A survey was undertaken to evaluate the responses to hyposensitization in cats for which a diagnosis of allergic disease was made by assessment of clinical signs and evaluation of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) using the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Eighty-one cases were available for analysis. In 39 cases, a dietary change resulted in some subjective improvement, which usually was minimal; however, some cases had significant improvement. In 75.3% of cases, an improvement of at least 50% was noted and ascribed to a combination of immunotherapy and dietary change, when implemented. The response of the 42 cases in which immunotherapy alone was used or where there was no response to dietary change was broadly similar. Response of the specific dermatological conditions ranged from 93.6% in the case of linear granuloma to 60% in cases where self-induced hair loss was evident. Response also was good in cases of presumed allergic asthma (86.1% improvement) and suspected allergic otitis externa (62.6% improvement). In nine patients, the hyposensitization was discontinued due to lack of response. The results suggest that confirmation of a suspected diagnosis of allergic disease in cats by means of in vitro tests and subsequent therapy with hyposensitization should be a major consideration in feline practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pınar Gur Cetinkaya ◽  
Betul Buyuktiryaki ◽  
Ozge Soyer ◽  
Umit Murat Sahiner ◽  
Bulent Enis Sekerel

Background: Tree nut (TN) allergies are the most common cause of fatal anaphylaxis and generally are ongoing food allergies throughout life. Objective: To investigate the predicting factors for TN anaphylaxis in children. Methods: Children with TN allergy were divided into anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic groups, those who had an anaphylactic reaction with at least one type of TN and those with any type of reaction other than anaphylaxis with TNs, respectively. Children with TN allergies were evaluated for the predictors of anaphylaxis by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 184 children (ages 4.9 years; 3.2‐6.9 years) with TN allergy were included in the study. Of these, 90 experienced an anaphylactic type of reaction on exposure to at least one type of TNs. Comparisons of the two groups showed that concomitant asthma, skin-prick test, specific immunoglobulin E, total immunoglobulin E, and serum basal tryptase (sBT) levels were significantly higher in the anaphylactic group compared with the nonanaphylactic group. In multivariate analysis, female gender (odds ratio [OR] 4.905 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.266‐19.001], p = 0.021), sBT levels (OR 2.287 [95% CI, 1.431‐3.654], p < 0.001), concomitant egg white allergy (OR 4.135 [95% CI, 1.016‐16.481], p = 0.048), and concomitant asthma (OR 3.874 [95% CI, 1.109‐13.526], p = 0.034) were risk factors for anaphylaxis. The optimal cutoff value for sBT was 2.06 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 85.9% and a specificity of 69%, as well as an area under the curve 0.810 (95% CI, 0.717‐0.903, p < 0.001). The sBT levels of 1.94 ng/mL and 5.30 ng/mL predicted clinical reactivity at 50% and 95% probabilities. Conclusion: Different aspects, including gender, higher mast cell load and/or activation, and a stronger atopic background (e.g., coexisting egg allergy, asthma), contributed to the development of anaphylactic reactions to TNs in children.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Hee Hong ◽  
Seung-Hyung Kim ◽  
Young-Cheol Lee

Holotrichia diomphalia larvae (HD), a natural product from an insect resource, possesses many pharmacological properties, including anticoagulant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity. The major bioactive ingredients include oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, proline, and glutamic acid. Although HD is associated with immunoregulatory activities in allergic diseases, the therapeutic mechanisms of the action of HD in allergic diseases have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-asthmatic potential of HD in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of allergic asthma. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory potential of HD was examined to identify a plausible mechanism of action of HD in vitro. HD strongly reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, eosinophil infiltration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The expression of IL-5, IL-4, eotaxin-2, lysyl oxidase-like 2 (loxl2), and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) was attenuated in the lungs. In an in vitro assay, HD exerted immunomodulatory effects through the suppression of Th2 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13), IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production through downregulation of GATA-3 expression in EL-4 T cells. These findings suggest that the anti-asthmatic activity of HD may occur through the suppression of Th2 cytokines and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) production by inhibition of the GATA-3 transcription pathway. Our results suggest that HD may be a potential alternative therapy, or a novel therapeutic traditional medicine, for the treatment of allergic asthma.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (17) ◽  
pp. 3997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Yeon Lee ◽  
Eun-Kyung Ahn ◽  
Ju-Hyoung Park ◽  
Joa Sub Oh

In the present study the effects and molecular mechanisms of wheat bran (WB), the hard outer layer of the wheat kernel used in food ingredients, on mast cell-mediated allergic responses in vitro and in vivo were investigated. The water extract of WB inhibited degranulation and expression of allergic and inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. These anti-allergic activities of WB were mediated by the inactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, which play important roles in degranulation and expression of various allergic and inflammatory molecules. In agreement with its in vitro effects, WB inhibited immunoglobulin E (IgE)/antigen-induced and compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reactions in vivo. Taken together, these findings suggest the pharmacological potential of WB in the regulation of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma and anaphylaxis.


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