Aetiology of anaphylaxis in patients referred to an immunology clinic in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Background: The aetiology of anaphylaxis differs according to types of foods consumed, fauna and foliage and cultural practices. Although the aetiology of anaphylaxis in Western countries are well known, the causes in South Asian countries have not been reported. We sought to determine the causes of anaphylaxis in patients referred to an immunology clinic in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Preliminary study on chronic granulomatous disease in Sri Lanka.

Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency of the phagocytic cells, which results in absent or diminished levels of microbicidal reactive oxygen species. The disease occurs due to germline mutations in the genes encoding the five subunits of NADPH oxidase complex. The present study is a pilot study to understand the clinical and genetic aspects of CGD in Sri Lanka.

The response to Typhi Vi vaccination is compromised in individuals with primary immunodeficiency.

Measurement of an individuals ability to respond to polysaccharide antigens is a crucial test to determine adaptive immunity. Currently the response to Pneumovax is utilized but with the success of Prevnar, measurement of the response to Pneumovax may be challenging. The aim of the study was to assess the response to Typhi Vi vaccination in both children and adult control groups and patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID).

Food dependant exercise induced anaphylaxis a retrospective study from 2 allergy clinics in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The aetiology of anaphylaxis ranges from food, insect venom, drugs and various chemicals. Some individuals do not develop anaphylaxis with the offending agent unless ingestion is related temporally to physical exertion, namely food dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA). The foods implicated are wheat, soya, peanut, milk and sea food.

Spectrum of primary immunodeficiency disorders in Sri Lanka.

Background: While primary immunodeficiencies (PID has been recognized in the west for decades, recognition has been delayed in the third world. This study attempts to detail the spectrum of PID, the therapy provided, and constraints in the diagnosis and treatment in a middle income country such as Sri Lanka.

Methods: Nine hundred and forty two patients with recurrent infections and features suggestive of immune deficiency, referred from the entire country in a 4 year period, to the sole immunology unit in Sri Lanka were included.