Asia‐Pacific perspectives on the COVID‐19 pandemic

BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine induces antibodies of broader cross‐reactivity than natural infection, but recognition of mutant viruses is up to 10‐fold reduced

“…This reduced affinity of antibodies induced by infection is consistent with the notion that individual RBDs are spaced by 25 nm on SARS-CoV-2, too large for inducing optimal antibodies. 6 In conclusion, BNT162b2-induced antibodies recognize mutant RBDs better than those by natural infection. Recognition may, however, be 10-fold reduced for the variants B.…”

“…1 The Asia-Pacific is a diverse geographical region with different health care systems and levels of access to specialist services. This survey was commissioned by the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) Task Force on COVID-19 with the premise to understand the epidemiology, 2 clinical profile (including severity and risk factors), 3,4 therapeutics/access to clinical trials, 5 impact on clinical immunology and allergy services/therapeutics, 6 occupational health and mental well-being (supporting information S1, S2) of healthcare providers in the region.…”

Recent advances and developments in COVID‐19 in the context of allergic diseases

“…38,39 A survey based on 14 member countries commissioned by the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) indicated an increased prevalence of allergic diseases among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, ocular and airway allergy with extended use of surgical masks and eye protection; skin allergy due to prolonged use of gloves, protective equipment and frequent handwashing. 40 Systemic allergic reactions during the pandemic seemed to be drastically reduced as indicated by the number of patients attending an Emergency Department Unit in the UK, from 62 in the first half of pre-pandemic 2019 to 10 in the same period of 2020. The clinical F I G U R E 1 Potential factors associated with the prevalence and outcome of allergy in COVID-19 patients.…”

“…A survey based on 14 member countries commissioned by the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) indicated an increased prevalence of allergic diseases among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic, for example, ocular and airway allergy with extended use of surgical masks and eye protection; skin allergy due to prolonged use of gloves, protective equipment and frequent handwashing. 40 …”

“…An APAAACI survey reported a decrease in AIT (46.1%) and immunosuppressive therapies (23.1%) in allergic patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. 40 Unfortunately, patients with non‐adherent subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for house dust mite allergy (≥2‐month delay) had higher median medication scores, visual analogue scale for quality of life, and total symptom scores. 94 On the other hand, venom‐specific immunotherapy was safely administered in Spanish clinics following a strict sanitary protocol.…”