Immunotherapy against environmental fungi causing respiratory allergy.

Allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) have been one of the major global health problems of the 21st century with an increasing prevalence. A significant proportion of aerobiological particles in the environment is constituted by fungal structures, including those from Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species which are regarded as the four most common fungal genera associated with allergic fungal airway diseases (AFADs). Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) has capacity to promote protection as well as long-term tolerance to the allergen, however there have not been adequate number of studies evaluating the efficacy of against AFADs, up till today.

Immune mechanisms induced by sublingual immunotherapy in allergic respiratory diseases.

Allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) are still a major burden on global public health. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a mode of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) which involves administration of the allergen under the tongue, and benefits from tolerogenic properties of the oral mucosa. Studies revealed reduced levels of eosinophilia and eosinophil-dominated inflammation in airways of both animals and humans after SLIT.

Cutaneous Allergic reactions to pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea Pityocampa): a complicated cutaneous reaction in an infant and review of the literature.

Background: Thaumetopoea Pityocampa (TP) are frequent in the Mediterranean region especially affecting forest workers in pinewood areas. The common symptoms include swelling, rash or burns like any form of dermatitis. The reactions can be triggered by mechanical, chemical or allergic factors and the `allergic` reaction is caused by sensitization to a hair protein named `thaumetopoein`.

Maintained disease control and steroid-sparing effect of subcutaneous immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Background: Allergen immunotherapy is the only currently available treatment strategy that modifies the immune response to the causative allergen and induces clinical improvement and a steroid-sparing effect.

Objective: In this real-life study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with one allergen or multiple allergens in children and adults with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in terms of disease control and a steroid-sparing effect.

Methods: Demographics, the initial inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and/or intranasal corticosteroid (INS) dose, and other drugs of patients receiving SCIT for at least 12 months were recorded.