GA²LEN skin test study I: GA²LEN harmonization of skin prick testing: novel sensitization patterns for inhalant allergens in Europe

Abstract

The results of this large pan-European study demonstrate for the first time sensitization patterns for different inhalant allergens in patients across Europe. The standardized skin prick test with the standardized allergen battery should be recommended for clinical use and research. Further EU-wide monitoring of sensitization patterns is urgently needed.

Inflammatory endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis based on cluster analysis of biomarkers

“…Subjects underwent a standardized skin prick test 14 and subjects were registered as asthmatic based on a clinical diagnosis. Patients were considered allergic on clinical grounds (positive skin prick test or provocation tests or specific IgE to inhalant allergens plus allergy symptoms present).…”

Are the Pyrenees a barrier for the transport of birch (Betula) pollen from Central Europe to the Iberian Peninsula?

“…On the one hand, Betula trees produce large amounts of highly allergenic pollen, particularly it has been estimated that on average each inflorescence produces 10,044,000 pollen grains (Piotrowska, 2008), ranging from 1000 to 10,000 pollen grains/m 3 the daily average of airborne Betula pollen concentrations observed during the peak birch pollen season in Northern Europe . Betula pollen is distributed by wind and impacts human health by causing seasonal hay fever, pollen-related asthma, and other allergic diseases (Müller-Germann et al, 2015), being one of the most important causes of respiratory allergy in Northern and Central Europe (Emberlin et al, 1993(Emberlin et al, , 1997Spieksma et al, 1995;Heinzerling et al, 2009). On the other hand, Betula trees are abundant in Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, but are scarce in the Mediterranean territories, especially in Spain, of which northern regions constitutes a southern border of the distribution area (De Bolòs et al, 1990).…”

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes): A poorly known allergen in Western countries responsible for severe work-related asthma

“…Skin prick tests [1] with commercial aeroallergens and food allergens were completely negative, confirming the negative allergic history. The initial spirometry test confirmed the airflow obstruction: forced expiratory vo lume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) = 1.33 l, and forced vital capacity (FVC) = 1.84 l (predicted values of 2.27 l and 2.67 l, respectively), and a bronchodilator test (salbutamol 400 μg) gave a positive result -FEV 1 = 1.67 l and FVC = 1.95 l, with a percentage increase in pulmonary function para meters of 25% and 6%, respectively.…”