An atlas of IgE sensitization patterns in different Italian areas. A multicenter, cross-sectional study

Abstract

The development of recombinant technology supported the allergy diagnostic work-up in the daily clinical practice, representing a useful tool for epidemiological studies. An atlas of the IgE sensitization profiles found throughout Italy was prepared from a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study. 6052 unselected consecutive individuals, belonging to North-West [NW], North-East [NE], Centre [C], South [S], and Islands subset [Is] were evaluated by means of the ImmunoCAP ISAC test. The top-ranked sensitizations found were Cup a 1 in [C] (58.1%) and [S] (53.6%), Phl p 1 in the North (from 46.1% to 49%), and Cyn d 1 in [Is] (44.2%). High frequency of house dust mite group 2 molecules sensitization was found in [C] (36.9%) and [S] Italy (40.8%), whilst low level of reactivity was recorded in [NW] (20%). Pellitory hypersensitivity was mainly found in [C], [S], and [Is], whilst ragweed Amb a 1 sensitivity was particularly found in [NW] Italy. IgE recognition of PR-10, Profilin, and nsLTP was mutually exclusive in 69.1% of cases, PR-10 reactivity mostly occurring in [NE], Profilin in [NW], and nsLTP molecules recognition mainly recorded in [C] and [S]. Divergent IgE sensitization patterns were found along Italy, possibly linked to the distinct geographical locations, indicating multiplex system IgE analysis as a reliable approach for epidemiological evaluation even in small geographical areas.

Non‐specific lipid‐transfer proteins: Allergen structure and function, cross‐reactivity, sensitization, and epidemiology

“…shown for Italy due to its very different climate zones, that is, northern (continental climate) and central southern (Mediterranean climate), with nsLTP sensitization dominating in the latter. 12,110 Similar observations have been seen in two Spanish studies, where nsLTP-sensitization prevalence among patients with seasonal allergy in different areas was 2% and 40%, respectively. 52,101 However, a Mediterranean climate on its own is not the only factor in the development of sensitization to nsLTP.…”

“…Interestingly, there are marked geographic variations in the prevalence of LTP hypersensitivity within single countries. This has been best shown for Italy due to its very different climate zones, that is, northern (continental climate) and central southern (Mediterranean climate), with nsLTP sensitization dominating in the latter 12,110 . Similar observations have been seen in two Spanish studies, where nsLTP‐sensitization prevalence among patients with seasonal allergy in different areas was 2% and 40%, respectively 52,101 .…”

β‐1,3‐glucanase rOle e 9 and MnSOD rAsp f 6 IgE reactivity are the signature of atopic dermatitis in the Mediterranean area

“…Relatedness of IgE recognition profiles was examined with the Genesis 1.7.2 program by supervised Eisen hierarchical clustering using the average linkage clustering as agglomeration rule. The supervised clustering involved sorting of both allergenic molecules and IgE recognition results reported in ISAC standardized units . The IgE recognition tree was compiled based on a full data set, and the distance between samples was computed by using Pearson correlation as similarity measures.…”

Disease-Specific Molecular Profiles Highlighted by Radar Graphic Display

“…Patients with OAS showed a concurrent IgE sensitization to all vegetable pan-allergens tested, while, as previously reported [4], nsLTP reactivity in the absence of PR-10 or profilin sensitization identified patients at risk of severe reaction to food. Such condition is commonly observed in southern Italy [5] and is a warning signal for affected individuals [6]. FDEIA has been linked to omega-5 gliadin (Tri a 19) reactivity [7,8], but nsLTPs play a more relevant role in the Mediterranean area [9].…”