This survey provides limited evidence linking asthma with aspects of western lifestyle. It supports the hypothesis that opportunities for infection during early childhood and the consumption of fruit and vegetables protect against asthma.

The findings confirmed the hypothesis of a low prevalence of allergy in Albania. Possible reasons include the recent economic isolation of Albania, the infrequency of smoking by women, the lack of domestic pets, and the high incidence of childhood infection and parasitic infestation. The prevalence of allergy and its potential determinants should be monitored in Albania as that country acquires the characteristics of other parts of Europe.

BackgroundSevere allergic reactions during rush-specific immunotherapy (Rush-SIT) may occur in the treatment of hymenoptera sting allergy. The objective of the present study was to examine the characteristics of allergic reactions during Rush-SIT in a cohort of patients with allergy towards hymenoptera venom in the mediterranean population of Albania.MethodsA retrospective study was performed using the clinical reports of 37 patients with venom of bee (apinae), wasp (vespidae, subfamily vespinae) or paperwasp (vespidae, subfamily polistinae) allergy treated with Rush-SIT between 1987 and 1996. After hymenoptera sting allergy diagnosis according to anamnesis and intracutaneous tests the patient were treated with Rush-SIT. The protocol lasted 3 – 4 d with an increase in the concentration from 0.01 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml. Anaphylactic reactions were classified according to the Mueller-classification.ResultsThe frequency of reactions during Rush-SIT for bee-venom was 4.7% and for wasp-venom was 1.5% (p < 0.01). The mean frequency of reactions of Mueller grade II for the bee-venom Rush-SIT patients during the first 4 d (= 26 injections) was 0.73 and for the wasp-venom Rush-SIT patients 0.15. No patient experienced a third-degree reaction. 94.6% of the patient supported an end dose of 100 μg.ConclusionsRush-SIT is a reliable method for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions to hymenoptera venom even in less developed countries. Bee-venom Rush-SIT was found to cause higher numbers allergic reactions than wasp or paperwasp Rush-SIT.

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Background: Propolis or bee-glue is used as adjuvant in the therapy because of its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and antibacterial properties. Propolis is found in a number of products such as cosmetics, shampoos, toothpastes, lip balms, creams and ointments. In dermatology propolis has been used for wound healing, treatment of ulcers and eczema, and regeneration of the skin. The sensitizing properties of propolis have been reported in the literature. Aim: The aim of this study was to present a case of allergic contact dermatitis after self-treatment with propolis. Methods: We report a case of 46 years old man who presented severe vesiculo-bullous elements on the leg after the treatment with bee-glue for the eczematous elements. Results: The diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to propolis was confirmed due to patch tests. Conclusions: Here we show that allergic contact dermatitis from propolis should be taken in consideration if an allergic reaction is evident. Dermatologists and general physicians should be aware of propolis as an important allergen that can cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The therapeutic use of propolis should be performed under medical advisory.