Allergy
The prevalence of allergies has been inexorably rising for several years to the point that 15%-20% of the population now suffer from some form of allergy.
Eurofins Biomnis offer assays for specific IgEs directed against more than 400 different allergens. We also assay specific IgG and IgG 4 to monitor desensitisation protocols (notably for hypersensitivity to hymenopteran venom) and can test cells to measure the production of various mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes
Since the discovery of IgE in 1967, testing for these conditions has become more reliable with the development of a broad range of serum-based tests (specific IgE and IgG, constitutionally expressed and induced mediators, cytokines) and cell-based tests for a variety of effector cells (basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes). We have built customised panels in Food and Inhalant allergens, detailed below.
Allergy Rates in Ireland
Allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, is the most common form of allergic condition and affects around 26% of Irish people, while about 450,000 people in the State have asthma. In Ireland many children who have food allergy, also experience another allergic condition such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and in particular eczema.1
The Asthma Society of Ireland has produced an informative Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis booklet for patients.
Why are Allergy rates increasing in Ireland?
Allergy is multifactorial; genetics, diet, environmental pollutants, excessive hygiene and use of antibiotics for minor illnesses in early life, viral, microbiome diversity, increased domestic pet ownership living indoors, and many others. For example, Ireland, largely an agricultural nation, has nitrogen-enriched fields which produce significantly more pollen than unfertilised land. The pollen from these fields has increased allergenic potential.2 Climate change is also contributing to the problem, with milder temperatures resulting in a prolonged pollen season and it favours the growth and spread of highly invasive plant species (e.g., ragweed) that we never had before in Ireland.
Food Allergies
The clinical presentation of food allergy involves a large spectrum of symptoms including skin (urticaria, angioedema, atopic eczema), gastrointestinal (vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation), respiratory (rhinorrhoea, dyspnoea) and circulatory (cardiovascular collapse).
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic or hypersensitivity reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death, encompassing both immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergies. The commonest causes of IgE-mediated anaphylaxis are: foods (particularly, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish and fish, cow’s milk, eggs and wheat), medications (most commonly penicillin), and latex.
Eurofins Biomnis offer a Food Allergen Panel to GPs and healthcare providers;
In addition to food allergy, there are food intolerance and hypersensitivity, metabolic conditions such as lactose intolerance, and auto-immune conditions such as coeliac disease.
For the diagnosis of Celiac disease, we offer anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies - tTG-IgA and IgA. If total IgA is low, we recommend tTG IgG and deamidated gliadin DGP IgG.
Inhalant Allergies
Inhalant allergens cause activation of lymphocytes, basophils, mast cells, and eosinophils, and subsequent release of mediators and cytokines. They can be broadly categorized as outdoor versus indoor and biological versus chemical.
Allergic Rhinitis patients will experience congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, including nasal cavity, throat, eyes, and ears nasal itchiness, sneezing, and runny nose are common. Allergic Asthma presents with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, with variable expiratory airflow limitation.
Eurofins Biomnis offer an Inhalant Allergen Panel to GPs and healthcare providers;
The ALEX test – a comprehensive analysis for complex allergy patients
The Alex (Allergy Explorer) test provides a complete picture of a patient's allergic sensitivities, which can be particularly useful in complex allergy cases. It is an in-vitro, multiplex allergy diagnostic tool that measures total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE antibodies against a vast array of allergens (300+) from a sample of blood. The result can be assessed by an allergist who will decide on further testing to improve the diagnosis and suggest a treatment. This method gives the best description of the patient's situation for any further decisions such as AIT Allergen Immunotherapy.
Download our Allergens and Molecular Components
Note: Tests can only be booked by a Healthcare Professional, who will require an account with Eurofins Biomnis.
You can request an individual allergen or we can build a customised allergy test panel for your clinic. Email sales@ctie.eurofinseu.com to arrange a call to discuss your requirements.
References
- Bolger, Joseph; Blake, Nicola; and Vinod, Sneha (2021) "An Investigation of Healthcare Supports for Those with Food Allergy in Ireland," International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 5
- Daelemans, Robin et al. The impact of ecosystem nitrogen enrichment on pollen allergy: a cross-sectional paired comparison study. The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 9, Issue 4, e294 - e303
