Compromising between European and US allergen immunotherapy schools: Discussions from GUIMIT, the Mexican immunotherapy guidelines.

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has a longstanding history and still remains the only disease-changing treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Over the years 2 different schools have developed their strategies: the United States (US) and the European. Allergen extracts available in these regions are adapted to local practice.

[The clinical practice of allergen immunotherapy in Mexico according to 277 allergists who were surveyed during a three-year AIT course].

Background: There are different guidelines for the diagnosis of allergic diseases and the application of allergen immunotherapy (AIT).

Objective: To describe how Mexican allergists diagnose and treat respiratory and food allergies with AIT.

Methods: 227 allergists who attended an immunotherapy symposium were surveyed; the topics investigated were the daily practices in the diagnosis of respiratory and food allergies, as well as ways to apply AIT.

[GUIMIT 2019, Mexican Guideline on Immunotherapy. Guideline on the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergic disease and immunotherapy following the ADAPTE approach].

Background: In Mexico, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and immunotherapy with hymenoptera venom (VIT) is traditionally practiced combining aspects of the European and American school. In addition, both types of extracts (European and American) are commercially available in Mexico. Moreover, for an adequate AIT/VIT a timely diagnosis is crucial.