Validation of ELISA methods for quantification of the major birch allergen Bet v 1 (BSP090).

To date, the potency of allergen products in Europe is expressed in manufacturer-specific units relative to a product-specific in-house reference. Consequently, cross-product comparability of allergen products from different manufacturers with respect to strength and efficacy is impossible. The Biological Standardisation Programme (BSP) project BSP090 addresses this issue via the establishment of reference standards in conjunction with ELISA methods for the quantification of major allergens in allergen products.

RItA: The Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma registry.

Background: The Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma (SUA) web-based registry encompasses demographic, clinical, functional, and inflammatory data; it aims to raise SUA awareness, identifying specific phenotypes and promoting optimal care.

Methods: Four hundred and ninety three adult patients from 27 Italian centers (recruited in 2011-2014) were analyzed.

Results: Mean age was 53.

Exposure to indoor allergens and association with allergy symptoms of employees in a work environment.

Exposure to indoor allergens is an important risk factor for sensitisation and respiratory allergy. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the levels of mite, cat and latex allergens in dust collected from an indoor workplace and to assess whether the exposure to these allergens was associated with the allergy symptoms reported by employees. Sixty dust samples were collected.