Molecular sensitization patterns to cat and dog allergens in Lithuanian children population.

Background: Over the last few decades, there was observed an increase of asthma and allergic rhinitis cases caused by allergy to pets. Objective: This study aimed to analyze molecular sensitization patterns to dog and cat allergens in Lithuanian children who were experiencing allergy-like symptoms. Materials and methods: A total of 574 children (0-18 years) were tested for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels with ALEX2 (ALEX2®, Allergy Explorer Test System). Positive sera were further analyzed for sensitization to cat (Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, and Fel d 7) and dog (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 4, Can f 5, and Can f 6) allergen components. Results: Two hundred forty-seven children tested positive (sIgE ≥0.3 kUA/L) to at least 1 dog or cat allergen component. There were 61.1% children sensitized to components from both sources, 29.2% - exclusively to cat, and 9.7% - to dog components. The major sensitizers were Fel d 1 (84.8%) and Can f 1 (59.4%). There were 42.9% patients sensitized to 3 or more different mammalian protein families and 40.4% - to 3 or more lipocalins. There were 5.7% of children sensitized both to Fel d 1 + Fel d 4 and Can f 1/2 + Can f 5, indicating the high risk of severe asthma. Monosensitization to Fel d 1 was the dominant pattern among Lithuanian children (26.3%). Conclusion: The majority of children were cat/dog-polysensitized, although sensitization only to cat allergens was most observed. Extensive molecular profiling can be an useful tool for accurate true sensitization diagnosis and prognosis of disease severity.

Molecular peanut sensitization patterns in Lithuanian children with suspected allergic symptoms.

Introduction: There are no in-depth studies describing the peanut sensitization molecular patterns in Lithuanian children. Aim: To investigate the age-related patterns of molecular peanut sensitization profiles in Lithuanian children with suspected allergic symptoms. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of peanut sensitization profiles in 576 Lithuanian children with possible allergic symptoms. Patient data were categorized according to age groups: 0-2, 3-6, 7-12, and 13-18 years. Specific immunoglobulin E levels to peanut molecular components: Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Ara h 8, Ara h 9, Ara h 15, and birch major allergen component Bet v 1 were analyzed. Results: Sensitization to at least one peanut protein was observed in 148 (25.7%) children. In children aged ≤ 2 years, most children were sensitized to Ara h 1 - 11 (12.1%). In children aged from 3 to 6 years, the sensitization to Ara h 1 remained the most prevalent in 40 (16.6%) children. The most prevalent sensitization in children aged from 7 to 12 years was to Ara h 8 in 39 (24.5%) of them. In children aged ≥ 13 years, Ara h 8 remained the most prevalent sensitizer in 21 (24.7%) of them. Conclusions: One-fourth of children with suspected allergic symptoms are sensitized to at least one peanut molecular component in Lithuania. Infants and preschool children are most commonly sensitized to seed storage proteins, while school-age children to Ara h 8 allergen.

Prick-by-Prick Test with Pasteurised Cow's Milk: A Valuable Tool in Paediatric Practice.

Background: This study assessed the utility of a prick-by-prick test with pasteurised cow's milk in predicting a pasteurised cow's milk allergy (CMA) diagnosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 86 paediatric patients who had undergone open pasteurised cow's milk oral food challenges (OFCs). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of a prick-by-prick test with pasteurised cow's milk in predicting a positive OFC result. We calculated the threshold values representing high test specificity and predictive probability in children aged ≤24 and >24 months. Results: A prick-by-prick test with pasteurised cow's milk was a good classifier of a positive cow's milk OFC outcome. The mean prick - by - prick test wheal diameter ≥ 3 mm yielded 100% sensitivity in both groups of children. Thresholds representing high test specificity and 95% predicted probability were 7 and 11 mm in children ≤ 24 months and 11 and 17 mm in children > 24 months of age, respectively. Conclusion: A prick-by-prick test with pasteurised cow's milk is valuable in paediatric practice when diagnostic thresholds are implemented.

Food allergens in skincare products marketed for children.

BACKGROUND: The application of preparations containing food allergens can cause percutaneous sensitization and provocation. The prevalence of food allergens in children's cosmetics is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prevalence of food allergens in skincare products marketed for children and their association with marketing claims and product price. METHODS: We reviewed 276 skincare product ingredient labels for the presence of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, oats, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame. RESULTS: More than one-third (108; 39.1%) of the products listed at least one allergen. A total of 156 allergens were recorded, of which 65 (41.7%) were almonds, 35 (22.4%) wheat, 24 (15.4%) soy, 16 (10.3%) oats, 13 (8.3%) sesame, 2 (1.3%) milk, and 1 (0.6%) peanuts. Products that claimed to be "natural" or "ecological" were more likely to contain food allergens than those not labelled so (P < .001). The prices were higher for products containing food allergens compared with allergen-free products (P = .028). CONCLUSIONS: Food allergens are prevalent in children's cosmetics, especially those that claim to be natural or ecological. The most incorporated food allergens are almonds, wheat, and soy. Products containing food allergens cost more than allergen-free ones.