Extensive Cross-reactivity Between Salsola kali and Salsola imbricata.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies on cross-reactivity between Salsola kali and Salsola imbricata pollens. The main goals of the present study were to compare the degree of the cross-reactivity between S kali and S imbricata and to compare the various allergenic components shared by S kali and S imbricata. METHODS: erum samples were obtained from rhinitis patients with or without asthma living in Kuwait and presenting with a positive skin test result to S kali. SDS-PAGE/IgE Western blot and ELISA inhibition assay were performed. RESULTS: The study population comprised 37 patients. The most frequent IgE proteins against S imbricata weighed around 12, 15, 18, 37, and 50+55 kDa. 2D electrophoresis revealed a correlation between S kali and S imbricata at 40, 60, and 75 kDa, with similar isoelectric points. ELISA inhibition revealed an Ag50 value of 1.7 µg/mL for S kali and 500.5 µg/mL for S imbricata when the solid phase was S kali and an Ag50 value of 1.4 µg/mL for S kali and 3.0 µg/mL for S imbricata when the solid phase was S imbricata. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA inhibition revealed strong cross-reactivity between S kali and S imbricata. This finding might be clinically relevant for the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy. We report, for the first time, the allergenic profile of S imbricata and potentially allergenic proteins for S kali and S imbricata.

Pattern of inpatient referrals to a drug allergy unit in Kuwait.

SUMMARY: Introduction. There is no information regarding the pattern of inpatient referrals to drug allergy units in Kuwait. Objectives. The main goal of this study is to clarify the pattern of inpatient referrals to a drug allergy unit in terms of incidence, drugs implicated and allergy evaluation outcomes in comparison with studies in other countries. Patients and Methods. A retrospective chart review of inpatient drug allergy consultations at Al-Rashed Allergy Center over a 3-year period was performed. Results. A total of 51 patients were referred for drug allergy consultations, with an estimated incidence of reported drug allergy among inpatients of 0.008%. There is an increasing trend of referrals from public health centres located in proximity to Al-Rashed Allergy Center. Beta-lactams, contrast media, and general anaesthetics were the most common drugs leading to referrals. In total, 30% of patients were diagnosed with an allergy to the offending drug after a full allergy evaluation. Conclusion. Inpatient drug allergy referrals are highly underreported in Kuwait.

Extensive cross-reactivity between Salsola kali and Salsola imbricata

Background: There are no studies on cross-reactivity between Salsola kali and Salsola imbricata pollens. The main goals of the present study were to compare the degree of the cross-reactivity between S kali and S imbricata and to compare the various allergenic components shared by S kali and S imbricata. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from rhinitis patients with or without asthma living in Kuwait and presenting with a positive skin test result to S kali. SDS-PAGE/IgE Western blot and ELISA inhibition assay were performed. Results: The study population comprised 37 patients. The most frequent IgE proteins against S imbricata weighed around 12, 15, 18, 37, and 50+55 kDa. 2D electrophoresis revealed a correlation between S kali and S imbricata at 40, 60, and 75 kDa, with similar isoelectric points. ELISA inhibition revealed an Ag50 value of 1.7 μg/mL for S kali and 500.5 μg/mL for S imbricata when the solid phase was S kali and an Ag50 value of 1.4 μg/mL for S kali and 3.0 μg/mL for S imbricata when the solid phase was S imbricata. Conclusions: ELISA inhibition revealed strong cross-reactivity between S kali and S imbricata. This finding might be clinically relevant for the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy. We report, for the first time, the allergenic profile of S imbricata and potentially allergenic proteins for S kali and S imbricata (AU)

Introducción: No existen estudios sobre la reactividad cruzada entre pólenes de Salsola kali y Salsola imbricata. El objetivo principal de este estudio es comparar el grado de reactividad cruzada entre Salsola kali y Salsola imbricata, y el objetivo secundario es comparar los diversos componentes alergénicos entre Salsola kali y Salsola imbricata. Métodos: Se obtuvo suero de pacientes con rinitis con o sin asma, que vivieran en Kuwait y tuvieran un test positivo a Salsola kali. Se realizaron SDS PAGE/IgE Western blot, ELISA inhibición, a los sueros de pacientes kuwaitíes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 37 pacientes kuwaitíes. Las proteínas que reaccionaron con más frecuencia contra Salsola imbricata se encontraron alrededor de 12, 15, 18, 37 y 50+55 kDa. La electroforesis 2D mostró una correlación entre Salsola kali y Salsola imbricata a 40, 60, 75 KDa con puntos isoeléctricos similares. El estudio de ELISA inhibición mostró un Ag50 de 1,7 μg/mL para Salsola kali y 500,5 μg/mL para Salsola imbricata cuando la fase sólida era Salsola kali, y un Ag50 de 1,4 μg/mL para Salsola kali y 3,0 μg/mL para Salsola imbricata cuando la fase sólida era Salsola imbricata. Conclusión: Salsola kali y Salsola imbricata presentan una fuerte reactividad cruzada como se observa en el ELISA inhibición y esto podría ser clínicamente relevante para la eficacia de la inmunoterapia específica contra alérgenos. Hemos descrito por primera vez el perfil alergénico para Salsola imbricata y los posibles alérgenos comunes entre Salsola kali y Salsola imbricata (AU)