Prevalencia de la infección por Sporothrix schenckii en agricultores del Cantón Shushufindi de la Provincia de Sucumbíos / Prevalence of Sporothrix schenckii infection in farmers of the Shushufindi Canton of the Sucumbíos Province

La esporotricosis es una micosis subcutánea causada por la inoculación traumática en la piel de especies de hongos del género Sporothrix. La enfermedad tiene diferentes manifestaciones clínicas (cutáneas, linfocutáneas y diseminadas), y también puede progresar a una infección sistémica. A pesar de tener una distribución mundial, la esporotricosis es más frecuente en los países tropicales y subtropicales. La esporotricosis es la micosis subcutánea más frecuente en América Latina, donde se considera endémica. Ciertos grupos de personas pueden estar más expuestos al agente causal de la enfermedad, como los agricultores. Así, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la prevalencia de la esporotricosis en 3.133 agricultores, en el cantón de Shushufindi de la provincia de Sucumbíos, Ecuador. En este estudio, se utilizó una prueba de intradermorreacción con el antígeno esporotriquina obtenido del hongo Sporothrix schenckii. Los datos obtenidos mostraron una prevalencia de 35,45%. La distribución de la prevalencia de la esporotricosis con respecto a los grupos de edad no mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas (p=0,2054). Para la variable sexo, si hubo significancia estadística (p=0,01995). 51 de los casos positivos presentaron gomas y/o úlceras en alguno de sus miembros. La esporotricosis ha demostrado ser una de las micosis subcutáneas más frecuente en los trabajadores de la agricultura en la región ecuatoriana evaluada(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by traumatic skin inoculation of fungal species of the genus Sporothrix. The disease has different clinical manifestations (cutaneous, lymphocutaneous, and disseminated), and it can also progress to a systemic infection. Despite having a worldwide distribution, sporotrichosis is more common in tropical and subtropical countries. Sporotrichosis is the most frequent subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America, where it is considered endemic. Certain groups of people may be more exposed to the causative agent of the disease, such as farmers. Thus, this work aimed to determine the prevalence of sporotrichosis in 3133 farmers, in the canton of Shushufindi in the province of Sucumbíos, Ecuador. In this study, an intradermal test was used with the sporotrichin antigen obtained from the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The data obtained showed a prevalence of 35.45%. The distribution of the prevalence of sporotrichosis with respect to age groups did not show significant statistical differences (p=0.2054). For the sex variable, there was statistical significance (p=0.01995). 51 of the positive cases presented gums and/or ulcers in one of their members. Sporotrichosis has proven to be one of the most frequent subcutaneous mycoses in agricultural workers in the evaluated Ecuadorian region(AU)

Ineffectiveness of Skin Tests in Predicting Allergic Reactions Induced by Chinese Herbal Injections / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate whether skin tests are suitable to predict the allergy reactions induced by Chinese herbal injections (CHIs).@*METHODS@#The skin tests including skin prick tests (SPT), intradermal tests (IDT) and provocation tests including subcutaneous tests and intravenous tests were administered to 249 healthy subjects and 180 allergic patients for 3 CHIs, including ginkgolide injection, diterpene ginkgolide meglumine injection and Salvianolate lyophilized injection. The results of the provocation tests were used as the "gold standard" to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the skin tests.@*RESULTS@#The results did not show any significant differences between the healthy and allergy groups in both skin tests and provocation tests (P>0.05). The specificities of SPT and IDT were 0.976 and 0.797, respectively, and the sensitivities of both SPT and IDT were 0.@*CONCLUSION@#Skin tests are insufficient to predict the likelihood of allergic reactions resulting from CHIs. (ChiCTR-CPC-15006921).

Anafilaxia ao ácido poli-L-láctico / Poly-L-lactic acid anaphylaxis

Paciente feminina, 47 anos, previamente hígida, apresentou reação anafilática associada ao uso do ácido poli-L-láctico (PLLA). Imediatamente após a administração do bioestimulador, a paciente referiu edema de face que evoluiu para urticária generalizada, edema em membros inferiores e tremores. Posteriormente, apresentou edema de língua e dificuldade para falar. Teste de puntura com extratos de PLLA na concentração pura 1:1 e testes intradérmicos na diluição 1:10 e 1:100 mostrou-se positivo. Paciente negou cofatores no dia do procedimento e alergias prévias. O presente artigo descreve o primeiro caso da literatura de anafilaxia ao PLLA, onde se discute aspectos da reação anafilática e exames usados para o diagnóstico.

A previously healthy 47-year-old woman had an anaphylactic reaction caused by poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Immediately after the administration of the biostimulating agent, the patient reported facial edema, which progressed to generalized urticaria, lower extremity edema, and tremors. Then she had tongue edema and difficulties to talk. A prick test with pure PLLA extracts (1:1) and intradermic tests (1:10 and 1:100 dilutions) were positive. The patient denied cofactors on procedure day as well as previous allergies. This is the first case report of anaphylaxis due to PLLA and includes a discussion of aspects of the anaphylactic reaction and tests that were used to provide the diagnosis.

Identification of a thaumatin-like protein as a new allergen in persimmon (Diospyros kaki) with cross-reactivity with banana (Musa acuminata) / Identificação de uma proteína semelhante à taumatina como um novo alérgeno no caqui (Diospyros kaki) com reatividade cruzada com a banana (Musa acuminata)

Allergy to persimmon (Diospyros kaki ) has been only rarely reported. The antigenic composition of the fruit is not entirely known. Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) have been described as allergens in pollens and various fruits, such as kiwi and banana, but not in persimmon. We report the case of a 22-year-old man, with persistent moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis, sensitized to house dust mites. The patient describes an episode of oral mucosa and ear canal pruritus, followed by diffuse urticaria, which rapidly evolved to dysphonia, dyspnea, and dizziness, after eating raw persimmon. A few months later he developed similar cutaneous symptoms accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal colic, and hypotension immediately after the intake of banana. The prick-prick test with raw persimmon and banana were positive, as well as the serum specific IgE to the extract of these fruits. The ImmunoCAP ISAC_112i test demonstrated a positive specific IgE against Act d 2 (kiwi thaumatin), which is homologous to banana TLP (Mus a 4). Serum IgE inhibition test with "sponge" of Diospyros kaki ImmunoCAP (f301) showed partial inhibition (40%) of IgE to Act d 2. This raises the suspicion that a TLP is at least partially responsible for the referred sensitization. This patient is sensitized to Diospyros kaki and Musa acuminata. An anaphylactic reaction to consumed persimmon, presumably as a result from cross-allergy with banana thaumatin was diagnosed in our patient. Thaumatin has not been previously described as an allergen of persimmon with cross-reactivity with banana, and in vitro with Act d 2 (kiwi TLP).

A alergia ao caqui (Diospyros kaki ) tem sido raramente documentada, não sendo a composição antigênica da fruta totalmente conhecida. Proteínas semelhantes à taumatina (TLPs) foram descritas como alergênicos em pólens e várias frutas, como no kiwi e banana, mas não no caqui. Apresenta-se o caso de um doente de 22 anos, com rinite alérgica persistente moderadagrave, sensibilizado a ácaros do pó doméstico. O doente refere episódio de prurido na mucosa oral e canal auditivo, seguido de urticária generalizada, que rapidamente evoluiu para disfonia, dispneia e tontura, após ingestão de caqui. Poucos meses depois, desenvolveu sintomas cutâneos semelhantes, acompanhados de náuseas, vómitos, cólica abdominal e hipotensão imediatamente após ingestão de uma banana. O teste cutâneo por picada com caqui e banana em natureza foram positivos, bem como o doseamento de IgE específica. O teste ImmunoCAP ISAC_112i identificou a presença de IgE específica para Act d 2 (taumatina do kiwi), homóloga da TLP da banana (Mus a 4). O estudo de inibição ImmunoCAP ISAC com "esponja" de Diospyros kaki (f301) produziu uma inibição parcial (40%) da ligação de IgE a Act d 2, permitindo presumir que uma proteína semelhante à taumatina é, pelo menos, parcialmente responsável pela referida sensibilização. Este doente encontra-se sensibilizado a Diospyros kaki e Musa acuminata. Uma anafilaxia ao caqui ingerido, presumivelmente resultante de reatividade cruzada com a taumatina da banana foi diagnosticada. Não estão descritas na literatura TLPs como alergênicos do caqui com reatividade cruzada com a banana e com Act d 2 in vitro (TLP do kiwi).

Segurança da vacina de febre amarela em pacientes comprovadamente alérgicos à proteína do ovo / Safety of yellow fever vaccine in egg allergic patients

Introdução: A vacina de febre amarela, recomendada em áreas endêmicas, é contraindicada em alérgicos à proteína do ovo (APO) por ser cultivada em ovos de galinha embrionados. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi mostrar a segurança da vacina de febre amarela em pacientes comprovadamente APO. Método: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo em hospital quaternário, no período de janeiro a outubro de 2018. Foram incluídos pacientes com APO confirmada por teste de provocação oral (TPO), reação anafilática à proteína do ovo nos últimos 6 meses, ou reação de APO nos últimos 2 meses associada à IgE específica positiva. Todos foram submetidos ao teste de puntura com a vacina na apresentação pura. Se negativo, realizado teste intradérmico (ID) com a vacina na diluição de 1:100. Se ID negativo, vacina aplicada em dose plena. Se teste de puntura ou ID positivo, vacina aplicada fracionada segundo protocolo de dessensibilização. Resultados: Dos 78 pacientes com história presumida de APO, confirmou-se o diagnóstico em 43 (30M:13F, mediana idade 2,7 a): 30 por TPO, 7 com anafilaxia em menos de 6 meses da vacina, e 6 com reação imediata após ingestão do ovo há menos de 2 meses e IgE específica positiva. Durante o TPO, 12 apresentaram anafilaxia, e os demais (18) apresentaram urticária e/ou angioedema ou vômitos. Todos os testes de puntura (43) foram negativos. ID foi negativo em 37 pacientes, que receberam a dose plena da vacina, sem reações. Apenas 6 apresentaram ID positivo e necessitaram dessensibilização para vacina. Metade desses pacientes (3/6) apresentou reações de hipersensibilidade leves e foi tratada com anti-H1 e/ou corticoide oral. O ID positivo foi significativamente relacionado à reação à vacina (p = 0,0016). Conclusão: Concluiuse ser possível vacinar alérgicos a ovo, com um protocolo seguro, mesmo em paciente comprovadamente anafilático. É necessária uma unidade especializada para sua realização, com capacidade de controlar possíveis situações de risco.

Introduction: The yellow fever vaccine (YFV) is recommended in endemic areas, but represents a risk for egg allergic (EA) patients, as it is cultivated in chicken embryos. Objective: This study aimed to describe the outcomes of YFV in patients with confirmed egg allergy. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a quaternary hospital, from January to October 2018. EA was diagnosed through oral food challenge (OFC) or recent history of anaphylaxis following egg contact in the past 6 months or allergic reaction in the past 2 months with positive specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Skin prick testing (SPT) with YFV was performed in all participants. If SPT was negative, an intradermal test (IDT) was performed at 1:100 dilution. If IDT was negative, a full dose of YFV was administered. If SPT was positive, the YFV was administered using a graded-dose protocol. Results: Among 78 patients with prior history of EA, 43 were confirmed (30 male to 13 female, median age of 2.7 years). Thirty patients had a positive OFC, seven reported recent anaphylaxis, and six had reactions in the past 2 months with positive specific IgE. During OFC, 12 patients had anaphylaxis and 18 had urticaria and/or angioedema or vomiting. SPT with YFV was negative in all patients (43). IDT was negative in 37 patients, who received a full dose of YFV, uneventfully. Six patients had a positive IDT and received the YFV in graded doses; half of them had a mild reaction controlled with antihistamines and three patients received the vaccine without reactions. Positive IDT was significantly related to vaccine reaction (p=0.0016). Conclusion: The YFV using a specific protocol was safe even in anaphylactic patients. An appropriate setting is required in order to control possible adverse events.

Evaluation of multiple allergen simultaneous (sIgE) testing compared to intradermal testing in the etiological diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in horses

Although intradermal testing (IDT) is commonly used in the etiological diagnosis of allergies, in vitro testing for specific IgE (sIgE) is an attractive alternative. Currently, new laboratory techniques in veterinary allergological practice, including multiple allergen simultaneous tests (MASTs), gradually supersede in vivo tests. Both, serological (sIgE) and IDTs in fourteen atopic Malopolski horses were performed. Correlation and agreement between test results were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that sIgE to Acarus siro had the best diagnostic performance (Area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.969), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (AUC = 0.844), Dermatophagoides farinae (AUC = 0.813) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (AUC = 0.803). A significant positive correlation between IDT and MAST was found for A. siro (r(S) = 0.870; p = 0.00005), and D. farinae (r(S) = 0.657; p = 0.011). There was significant moderate agreement for 2 of 5 allergens, A. siro (κ = 0.569) and D. farinae (κ = 0.485) in semiquantitative assessment and significant fair to substantial agreement for 3 of 5 allergens, D. pteronyssinus (κ = 0.689), A. siro (κ = 0.569), D. farinae (κ = 0.432) in dichotomic assessment. Sensitivity ranged from 44% to 89%, depending on the allergen, while specificity was significantly higher for all allergens in MAST (60%–100%); the mean accuracy was 73% (manufacturer cut-off) and 77.4% (optimal cut-off) based on the Youden index. Compared with IDT, serological MAST showed good detection performance for 60% allergen sIgE in dichotomic assessment with substantial diagnostic capability, but careful clinical interpretation is needed for some allergens.

Anaphylaxis to Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Literature Review

Chlorpheniramine maleate is commonly used antihistamine. Since antihistamines are the main therapeutic agents for symptomatic treatment of urticaria, anaphylaxis to antihistamines may lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of anaphylaxis induced by chlorpheniramine maleate confirmed by intradermal test. A 35-year-old female experienced history of anaphylaxis after intramuscular injection of chlorpheniramine maleate. Skin prick test was negative, but intradermal test was positive. Patient also experienced mild dizziness after intradermal test and refused to perform any further evaluation such as oral challenge test. Anaphylaxis for chlorpheniramine maleate is very rare but should be considered.

Severe Anaphylaxis without Key Signs Such as Urticaria and Bronchospasm Suspected to Be Induced by Rocuronium

Perioperative hypersensitivity reaction have been reported to have a variable degree of the incidence from differ countries and to be 1/353–18,600 approximately and its mortality has been reported to be 4%–4.76% in the United States and Japan, respectively. A 65-year-old male patient with hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and history of amoxicillin allergy was scheduled for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer. Lidocaine, propofol, and rocuronium were administered sequentially to induce general anesthesia. Twenty minutes after the rocuronium administration, severe hypotension and tachycardia developed. But key signs of hypersensitivity such as urticaria and bronchospasm were not appeared. The operation was canceled and we evaluated the cause of severe hypotension and could confirm hypersensitivity for rocuronium with intradermal test after 4 weeks.

Results of Intradermal Skin Testing with Cefazolin according to a History of Hypersensitivity to Antibiotics

Anaphylaxis occurred immediately after prophylactic antibiotics injection with negative intradermal skin test during laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Prophylactic antibiotics that are used to prevent post-operative infection can commonly cause anaphylactic reactions during anesthesia. It is therefore necessary to perform a skin test before antibiotics are administered in order to diagnose and prevent anaphylactic reactions. However, the results of the antibiotic skin test can differ according to the drug, dose, and reagent concentration. We report a case of anaphylactic shock with bronchospasm and cardiovascular collapse immediately following administration of the prophylactic cefazedone after induction of general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Intradermal skin tests for rocuronium and cisatracurium in patients with a history of allergy: a retrospective study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are a leading cause of perioperative anaphylaxis. However, the performance of systematic screening skin tests to detect reactions for NMBAs prior to general anesthesia is not recommended. We retrospectively examined intradermal tests (IDTs) for rocuronium and cisatracurium in patients with a history of allergy. METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients who underwent IDTs for NMBAs between January 1 and December 31, 2016. We analyzed the patients’ allergy histories and skin test results for NMBAs. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of positive IDTs was 5.8% (26/451), and there was no significant difference in prevalence among allergy types (P = 0.655). In logistic regression analysis, there was no allergy history that had a significant effect on positive IDT for NMBAs. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between allergy history and positive skin test for NMBAs. Therefore, a systematic screening test for NMBAs or other anesthetic agents before anesthesia is not considered necessary even in patients with an allergy history.

Negative association between previous allergy and intradermal tests for rocuronium and cisatracurium: what about additional tests? / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Allergen standardization

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and diagnostic tests are based on well qualified allergen extracts, which are derived from biologic organisms. The allergenicity of the extracts is markedly affected by the climate, soil, year of production, storage methods, and manufacturing processes. Thus, standardization is a crucial process to guarantee the clinical efficacy and safety of the treatment and diagnostic reagents in allergic diseases. There are 2 different standardization processes, one is In vivo and the other is in vitro standardization. In vivo standardization is done by skin prick or intradermal tests. For in vitro standardization, measurements of weight/volume and protein nitrogen units have been widely used since the early period of AIT. In the 1970s, immunological methods such as radial immunodiffusion, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition test and basophil activation test were developed. Allergen potency measured by ELISA inhibition test reflects the potency measured by skin tests and has been widely used for quality control of batch-to-batch variation. Recently, standardizations focused on the major allergen content of extracts have developed. Standardization for major allergens requires reliable reference materials (RMs) made of recombinant allergens and 2-site ELISA kits. However, only a few reliable RM and 2-site ELISA kits are available. For the standardization process, allergen RMs are essential. The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides 19 allergen RMs, and our research team also proved 9 RMs which are important in Korea. In conclusion, allergen standardization is an essential process for the development of reliable treatment and diagnostic reagents, and allergy specialist should be familiar with the concept of allergen standardization.

Radiocontrast media-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: A safe administration of alternative radiocontrast media using patch tests

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is rarely caused by radiocontrast media (RCM). The role of skin tests for the diagnosis and evaluation of cross-reactivity in a delayed type of RCM-induced hypersensitivity have yet to be determined. Here, we report a case of iodixanol-induced AGEP where we safely administered alternative RCM using patch tests. A 44-year-old woman had coronary artery angiography (CAG) for the evaluation of ischemic heart disease. She was on regular hemodialysis because of end-stage renal disease. She was given iodixanol (Visipaque) during CAG. Approximately 1 day after CAG, she developed AGEP. The patient was rehospitalized for CAG again after 1 year. We performed skin tests to choose safe alternative RCM. Intradermal tests with iodixanol, iohexol (Bonorex) and Iopamidol (Pamiray) showed negative responses. Patch tests showed a positive response to iodixanol, equivocal to iohexol, and negative to Iopamidol. We finally chose Iopamidol and performed CAG successfully without any adverse reaction. Patch tests may be a useful tool for the diagnosis and choice of safe alternatives in RCM-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions such as AGEP.

New strategy to improve quality control of Montenegro skin test at the production level

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The production of the Montenegro antigen for skin test poses difficulties regarding quality control. Here, we propose that certain animal models reproducing a similar immune response to humans may be used in the quality control of Montenegro antigen production. METHODS: Fifteen Cavia porcellus (guinea pigs) were immunized with Leishmania amazonensis or Leishmania braziliensis , and, after 30 days, they were skin tested with standard Montenegro antigen. To validate C. porcellus as an animal model for skin tests, eighteen Mesocricetus auratus (hamsters) were infected with L. amazonensis or L. braziliensis , and, after 45 days, they were skin tested with standard Montenegro antigen. RESULTS: Cavia porcellus immunized with L. amazonensis or L. braziliensis , and hamsters infected with the same species presented induration reactions when skin tested with standard Montenegro antigen 48-72h after the test. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison between immunization methods and immune response from the two animal species validated C. porcellus as a good model for Montenegro skin test, and the model showed strong potential as an in vivo model in the quality control of the production of Montenegro antigen.

KAAACI Standardization Committee Report on the procedures and applications of the diagnostic tests for drug allergy

Diagnostic methods for drug allergy include the patient's history, in vivo skin test, in vitro laboratory test, and provocation test. However, the history is often not reliable, procedures for in vivo and in vitro tests are not standardized, and provocation tests are sometimes harmful to patients. Generally, skin prick and intradermal tests are useful for immediate reactions; in contrast, patch test and delayed reading of both skin prick and intradermal tests are helpful for delayed reactions. A drug provocation test is the gold standard for both responses, and it is necessary to be aware of exact indications and contraindications with appropriate drugs, doses, and intervals. To date, several methods have been developed to detect culprit agents for drug hypersensitivity reactions, but they are neither completely well validated nor standardized. Based on this awareness and necessity, the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology launched the Standardization Committee to review the international guidelines and the literature, and then developed the consensus report on the procedures and applications of diagnostic tests for drug allergy.

A case of oral desensitization for hypersensitivity to exogenous progesterone

Hypersensitivity reaction to progesterone is a rare pathologic condition which consists of autoimmune response to endogenous progesterone, known as autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, and hypersensitivity reaction to exogenous progestogen. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with a history of whole body urticaria during exogenous progesterone supplementation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). She was admitted to the hospital for the diagnosis and management of progestogen hypersensitivity. An intradermal test with progesterone revealed positivity to 5 mg/mL of progesterone. For her next IVF, progesterone desensitization was performed in a method combining oral and intramuscular progesterone administration. After successfully achieving a target dose of 100 mg per day, the route of progesterone administration was converted to intravaginal tablet (90 mg twice a day) without any hypersensitivity reactions.

Three Cases of Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare cyclic premenstrual reaction to progesterone produced during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The clinical symptoms of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis overlap with other forms of dermatosis such as erythema multiforme, eczema, fixed drug eruption, urticaria, and angioedema. We experienced 3 cases of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. All patients had a recurrent history of monthly skin eruptions. Skin lesions normally began a few days before menstruation and resolved a few days later. Patients were confirmed to have autoimmune progesterone dermatitis by the results of the progesterone intradermal test. All three patients had different clinical findings such as erythema annulare centrifugum, urticaria, contact dermatitis, and rosacea. Because patients presented with variable clinical manifestations, they could have been easily misdiagnosed. The patients were treated with oral contraceptive, antihistamine and steroids for symptom control. We propose that dermatologists should consider autoimmune progesterone dermatitis in cases of recurrent cyclic skin eruptions in female patients. Further, if this condition is suspected, thorough history taking including that on menstrual cycle and intradermal progesterone test should be performed.