Challenges of managing food allergy in the developing world

Abstract

Food allergy (FA) is currently a significant health care problem in the developing world. Widely varying study populations and methodologies, the use of surrogate markers such as self report or hospitalization rates due to anaphylaxis rather than objective methods, limits robust estimation of FA prevalence in low income settings. Also, allergy is under-recognized as a clinical specialty in the developing world which compromises the chance for accurate diagnosis. In this review, most published data on food allergens from developing or low income countries are displayed. The diagnostic challenges and limitations of treatment options are discussed. It seems that FA is an under-appreciated health care issue in the developing world, and accurate determination of its burden in low-income settings represents an important unmet need. Multicenter surveillance studies, using standardized methodologies, are, therefore, needed to reveal the true extent of the problem and provide epidemiological clues for prevention. Preventive strategies should be tailored to fit local circumstances in different geographic regions. In addition, studying the gene environment interactions and impact of early life microbiota on the expression of FA in developing communities would be worthwhile. Efforts and resources should be directed toward public health education and training of health care providers dealing with food allergic patients.

New Perspectives in Food Allergy

“…Furthermore, in relation to the eating habits, different foods may also be responsible for allergic sensitization in other countries. For example, school-age Mexican children more often exhibit hypersensitivity reactions to chocolate, strawberries, crustaceans, and eggs [32], while sensitization to nuts and peanuts is more common in Chile [33], to chili, walnuts, chocolate, milk, and prawnsin El Salvador [34], and to fruits, vegetables, and seafood in Colombia [35,36].…”

Gut Microbiota Profile in Children with IgE-Mediated Cow’s Milk Allergy and Cow’s Milk Sensitization and Probiotic Intestinal Persistence Evaluation

“…The prevalence of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) in infancy and early childhood has been estimated at 2-3% worldwide [2]. In Europe, a large cohort study confirmed challenge-proven cow's milk allergy in <1% of children up to 2 years old [3].…”

Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis to soybean: Gly m 5 and Gly m 6 as causative allergen components

“…Food allergy is an increasing global health problem in both the developed and developing world. 12 , 13 In many Asian countries as in Japan, soybean is commonly consumed daily in large quantities and is also a major cause of food allergies. 11 FDEIA is mainly caused by foods, such as wheat and crustaceans.…”