Allergy and Mucosal Eosinophil Infiltrate in Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Data on allergy in ulcerative colitis (UC) have led to conflicting conclusions without proving any causal association. In this report we have investigated the presence of allergy and its possible relation with chronic colonic inflammation in patients with UC. Methods: Fifty UC patients underwent clinical, endoscopic, and histologic evaluations. The allergologic study included family/personal history; prick/patch exposition to airborne, food, and contact allergens; total serum IgE; and quantification of eosinophils in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa. Diagnosis of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma was confirmed by specific provocation tests. Fifty healthy subjects were studied as control group. Results: A higher prevalence of allergic symptoms was found in patients (56%) and their first-degree relatives (52%) than in controls (18% and 26%) (P < 0.0001; P = 0.008). In patients skin tests showed increased rates of immediate (54%) and delayed-type (20%) hypersensitivity compared with controls (30% and 6%) (P = 0.01; P = 0.03). Diagnosis of allergic IgE-mediated disease was made in 19 cases and 6 controls (P = 0.01), and allergic contact dermatitis in 10 and 3, respectively (P = 0.03). IgE levels were higher in UC patients than in controls (P = 0.02). No dose-response relationship was found between degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia and clinical, endoscopic, and histologic disease severity. The degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia was higher in the presence of skin reactivity to food allergens. Conclusions: UC patients frequently show several markers of allergy. In particular, our data suggest an association between ulcerative colitis, tissue eosinophilia, and type-I allergy.     

Allergy to hazelnut in adults: A two-step study

BackgroundAlthough hazelnut consumption is very high in Turkey, the prevalence of hazelnut allergy is still unknown. This study's objective was to investigate the prevalence of hazelnut sensitisation and to verify its clinical importance using double-blind, placebo-controlled challenge (DBPCFC) in an adult population.MethodsPrick-to-prick skin tests were performed with fresh hazelnut in 904 patients admitted to the allergy department. Among the 904 subjects, 20 patients with a history of allergic reactions to hazelnut and/or positive skin tests were recalled for further evaluation. Specific IgE was measured in these subjects. Eleven (11/20) patients accepted to undergo DBPCFC with hazelnut.ResultsAmong the 904 individuals, the history of reactions to hazelnut was positive in 16 subjects (1.8%); prick-to-prick skin tests were positive in 13 (1.4%); prick tests with the commercial product were positive in nine (0.9%); and history plus skin tests were positive in 16 (1.8%). Specific IgE to hazelnut was positive in only three patients. DBPCFC was conducted in 11 subjects with a positivity rate of 63.6% (7/11). We observed six mild and one moderate systemic reactions during the DBPCFC. Among seven subjects with a positive DBPCFC, six (85.7%) had a history of hazelnut allergy, and five (71.4%) had both history and skin test positivity.ConclusionSkin test sensitisation to hazelnut was found to be 1.76% (16/904) which is similar to the sensitisation rate in previous reports. However, DBPCFC was positive in 63% of cases with a history of hazelnut allergy and/or positive skin tests in this study. These results indicate that the presence of history with a positive skin test can be suggestive of hazelnut allergy; however an oral food challenge is needed to confirm the diagnosis.     

A case-control study of food hyper-sensitivity, timing of weaning and family history of allergies in young children with atopic dermatitis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between food hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis (AD) in young children.Material and methodsIn a case-control design, 28 patients < 3 years old, with AD and 28 agematched healthy children were included in the study. A detailed medical history of allergies and timing of weaning was obtained. Children underwent skin tests (prick and patch) to evaluate food hypersensitivity. The status of DA and food allergies in the study participants was investigated 4 years later.ResultsThere were more children with positive skin tests for food hypersensitivity among cases than controls, OR 4.2 (95%CI 1.3 to 13.4). In contrast, there were no differences in the number of children with positive family history of allergic diseases or weaned at ≤ 6 months of age between groups. Four years later, out of the 28 original cases, the state of AD was investigated in 13 (46.4 %) infants. Of them, 11 followed an exclusion diet; 6 (46.1 %) remained with AD. Of 28 original controls, 15 (51.7 %) infants were investigated 4 years later; only one case developed AD.ConclusionsYoung children who had hypersensitivity to cow's milk, hen egg, wheat, fish, soy, or legumes were found to have a higher risk of AD. Positive family history of allergies and early weaning were not found to be relevant risk factors.     

Définitions des termes utilisés en allergologie alimentaire chez l’enfant

In so far as there are no recent medical references that specify terms used in allergy, and particularly terms dealing with food allergy, it seemed to us that it would be of use to compile a glossary that would be helpful in daily practice. The defined terms (plus comments) have been retained according to sequences that correspond to steps in a food allergy work-up. The following terms are entered successively in this review: atopic dermatitis; SCORAD; asthma; pulmonary function tests; medications for children; symptoms and severity of food allergies; immediate skin tests; intradermal tests or “atopy patch-tests”; allergen-specific and total serum IgE levels; oral provocation test; labial provocation test; other tests used in allergy work-ups; allergy, hypersensitivity, atopy; allergens, allergies, sensitizations, allergic cross-reactions; treatment of an allergic reaction.     

Allergy and mucosal eosinophil infiltrate in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND: Data on allergy in ulcerative colitis (UC) have led to conflicting conclusions without proving any causal association. In this report we have investigated the presence of allergy and its possible relation with chronic colonic inflammation in patients with UC. METHODS: Fifty UC patients underwent clinical, endoscopic, and histologic evaluations. The allergologic study included family/personal history; prick/patch exposition to airborne, food, and contact allergens; total serum IgE; and quantification of eosinophils in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa. Diagnosis of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma was confirmed by specific provocation tests. Fifty healthy subjects were studied as control group. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of allergic symptoms was found in patients (56%) and their first-degree relatives (52%) than in controls (18% and 26%) (P < 0.0001; P = 0.008). In patients skin tests showed increased rates of immediate (54%) and delayed-type (20%) hypersensitivity compared with controls (30% and 6%) (P= 0.01; P= 0.03). Diagnosis of allergic IgE-mediated disease was made in 19 cases and 6 controls (P= 0.01), and allergic contact dermatitis in 10 and 3, respectively (P= 0.03). IgE levels were higher in UC patients than in controls (P=0.02). No dose-response relationship was found between degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia and clinical. endoscopic, and histologic disease severity. The degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia was higher in the presence of skin reactivity to food allergens. CONCLUSIONS: UC patients frequently show several markers of allergy. In particular, our data suggest an association between ulcerative colitis, tissue eosinophilia, and type-I allergy.     

Clinical profile of a Mediterranean population sensitised to date palm pollen (Phoenix dactylifera). A retrospective study

BackgroundDate palm pollen allergy is frequently associated with polysensitisation. Observational studies have suggested that date-palm-sensitised individuals could be included in a distinct group of polysensitised patients. The objectives of the study were to analyse the clinical characteristics of a group of patients diagnosed of date-palm pollen allergy and to compare them with pollen allergic patients without date-palm sensitisation.MethodsForty-eight palm-pollen sensitised individuals were classified as Group A. A control group of 48 patients sensitised to pollens but without palm-pollen allergy were included as Group B. All individuals were skin prick tested with a common battery of aeroallergens. Information about age, sex, family history of atopy, respiratory symptoms, food allergy and sensitisation to other pollens were considered variables of the study. Specific IgE and the allergogram to date-palm pollen were determined in a subgroup of Group A.ResultsSignificant differences in the family history of atopy and number of sensitisations were observed. Both parameters were significantly higher in Group A. Group A showed high prevalence of asthma and higher level of sensitisation to foods (p < 0.05). Significant differences were obtained for sensitisation to epithelia and pollens. Pho d 2 was the most commonly recognised allergen (83.3%) in the palm-pollen allergic group.ConclusionsDate-palm pollen allergic patients constitute a homogeneous group characterised for showing bronchial asthma, sensitisation to food allergens and polysensitisation. These results suggest that the reasons for sensitisation to date-palm pollen remain to be elucidated, but could relate to the existence of as yet non-identified pan-allergens.     

La comparaison des taux de sensibilisation IgE-dépendante aux moisissures,aux dermatophytes et aux levures dans les maladies allergiques générales et les dermatoses inflammatoires

We aimed to determine IgE-dependant skin sensitization rates to moulds, dermatophytes and yeasts in patients with typical allergic diseases in comparison to those with inflammatory dermatitis seen over the course of one year. Skin prick tests were done in 267 patients (172 women and 95 men; median age 38 years, range 25–50 years). We allocated them into 8 groups: 64 with head and neck atopic dermatitis; 11 with seborrheic dermatitis; 52 with eczema and not atopic dermatitis other than on the head and neck; 64 with rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma; 28 with urticaria; 10 with food allergy; and 12 healthy controls. Skin tests were done with the following aqueous standardized commercial extracts: Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Candida albicans, Malassezia and Saccharomyces cerevisiæ. Globally, positive skin test reactions occurred most frequently with the yeast extracts, less to the dermatophytes and even less to the moulds. The results were homogenous among members of each group. The relevance of our tests was reinforced by the fact that the moulds that gave positive skin tests most frequently were those most often isolated in the Belgian environment. In patients with atopic dermatitis of the head and neck, positive tests were most frequent with four moulds and three yeasts; compared to this group, positive tests were less frequent in patients with atopic dermatitis localized to other sites. In inflammatory dermatitis of the head and neck, the study of immediate hypersensitivity to yeasts seems to be important.     

Clinical value of morphine,pholcodine and poppy seed IgE assays in drug-abusers and allergic people

BackgroundThe diagnosis of anaphylactic reactions due to opiates during anaesthesia can be difficult, since in most cases various drugs may have been administered. Detection of specific IgE to poppy seed might be a marker for sensitisation to opiates in allergic people and heroin-abusers. This study assessed the clinical value of morphine, pholcodine and poppy seed skin-prick and IgE determination in people suffering hypersensitivity reactions during anaesthesia or analgesia and drug-abusers with allergic symptoms.MethodsWe selected heroin abusers and patients who suffered severe reactions during anaesthesia and analgesia from a database of 23,873 patients. The diagnostic yield (sensitivity, specificity and predictive value) of prick and IgE tests in determining opiate allergy was analysed.ResultsOverall, 149 patients and 200 controls, mean age 32.9 ± 14.7 years, were included. All patients with positive prick to opiates showed positive prick and IgE to poppy seeds, but not to morphine or pholcodine IgE. Among drug-abusers, 13/42 patients (31%) presented opium hypersensitivity confirmed by challenge tests. Among non-drug abusers, sensitisation to opiates was higher in people allergic to tobacco (25%), P<.001. Prick tests and IgE against poppy seed had a good sensitivity (95.6% and 82.6%, respectively) and specificity (98.5% and 100%, respectively) in the diagnosis of opiate allergy.ConclusionsOpiates may be significant allergens. Drug-abusers and people sensitised to tobacco are at risk. Both the prick and specific IgE tests efficiently detected sensitisation to opiates. The highest levels were related to more-severe clinical profiles.     

Latex allergy in children: a follow-up study

BackgroundNatural rubber latex allergy is an important health problem. Multiple contacts with latex in childhood are a risk factor. Many aspects of this disease are still unknown, one of which is the clinical outcome of these children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological features of latex allergy and compliance with latex avoidance instructions in allergic children.Material and methodsSeventeen consecutive patients with a history of latex allergy, fruit allergy or chronic urticaria were selected. The patients underwent a skin prick test and determination of specific-IgE to latex at the start and at end of the study (median follow-up: 3 years). At diagnosis, patients with a positive result to one of the tests and a clinical history of latex allergy were considered allergic; patients with a positive test but without a clinical history suggestive of allergy were considered sensitized. These children were given latex avoidance instructions.ResultsEleven children (64.7 %) were classified as allergic and 6 (35.3 %) as sensitized. Five patients had undergone latex-free surgery after diagnosis without incident. During follow-up, 11 patients (8 allergic and 3 sensitized) had contact with latex. Contact occurred in the home in 10 children, and all were symptomatic. Specific-IgE levels to latex at the end of the study were significantly higher in patients who had contact with latex during the follow-up period than in those without latex contact.ConclusionsStrict compliance with latex avoidance instructions is essential both inside and outside the hospital. Greater emphasis should be placed on reducing latex exposure in the home and school environments, as such contact could maintain positive IgE-antibody levels.     

Prediction of atopy by skin prick tests in patients with asthma and/or persistent rhinitis

BackgroundPatient history gives important clues about the likelihood of atopy. However, the accuracy of assessment of atopy based on detailed allergy history is low. The objective of this survey was to determine the successful prediction rate of atopy by a questionnaire and the effect of various factors on the successful prediction.MethodsA standard questionnaire including detailed allergy history was filled in by two experienced allergists for 169 patients having bronchial asthma and/or persistent rhinitis symptoms. Skin prick test (SPT) results were predicted based on the clinical data obtained by a questionnaire. Final diagnosis was made after SPT. Sensitivity and specificity analysis of SPT results prediction was investigated using two different cut-off values (3 mm and 5 mm) for positive tests, and factors associated with successful atopy prediction were analysed.ResultsSPT was predicted to be positive in 42.6% and was positive in 36.1%. Depending on SPT results with the cut-off value 3 mm, prediction sensitivity was 77%, specificity was 65.3%, positive predictive value was 65%, and negative predictive value was 86%. Successful positive atopy prediction was associated with age; true negative prediction was also associated with age and high education. With the threshold of 5 mm for a positive test, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values were 91%, 61%, 14% and 99%, respectively.ConclusionIt seems that the success rate of detailed history is high for negative prediction. However, detailed history alone does not seem to be efficient for atopy prediction.     

Prevention of allergic diseases

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has increased in recent years, particularly in the industrialized world. Allergic disease begins to manifest in the first years of life. The disorder usually manifests initially in the form of food allergy and atopic dermatitis, followed in later stages by respiratory allergy with rhinitis and/or asthma. This has led to the adoption of preventive measures in those children with a high risk of atopy, based on the following considerations: 1) A family history of allergic diseases (asthma, eczema, and/or allergic rhinitis); 2) A personal history of atopy such as atopic dermatitis, particularly when associated to food allergy; and 3) The existence of allergic sensitization, particularly to pneumoallergens, of early or late onset, but persistent during childhood. Prevention is established at three different levels: primary prevention, avoiding sensitization; secondary prevention, avoiding appearance of the disease; and tertiary prevention, avoiding the symptoms. The present study discusses current knowledge of prevention and its efficacy, with mention of the importance of breastfeeding and the use of pre- and probiotics for securing adequate prevention.     

Phadiatop,Phadiatop Infant and total IgE evaluated in allergic Brazilian children and adolescents

The clinical history is of importance in the investigation of allergic diseases but does have limitations. Many allergic conditions will be over-diagnosed if anamnesis alone is used for diagnostic criteria. Serum total immunoglobulin E (TIgE) quantification, as well as panels containing allergens prevalent in the studied population, may serve as screening tests and facilitate the diagnosis of allergic disease or its exclusion. We assessed the positivity of two versions of these tests, Phadiatop Europe® (PhEU) and Phadiatop Infant® (PhInf), as well as total IgE (TigE) values in patients with a medical diagnosis of allergic disease and non-allergic individuals.MethodsA cross-sectional study performed in eleven Brazilian pediatric allergy centers with patients divided into groups according to the primary condition and a group of assessed control subjects. They were submitted to TIgE measurement and screening tests (PhEu and PhInf).ResultsTIgE mean serum levels were significantly higher among allergic patients, especially those with asthma/rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. The positivity of the screening tests, considering the total population, was 63.8% for PhEU and 72.6% for PhInf. These increased when we evaluated only the allergic subjects. The concordance index of the two tests was Kappa = 0.7 and higher among those of greater age.ConclusionsIn the assessed population, there were significantly higher levels among those with positive screening tests and PhInf showed better performance in the identification of sensitized individuals, regardless of age. This is the first study to evaluate Phadiatop and Phadiatop Infant in the same population.     

Allergic hypersensitivity to garlic and onion in children and adults

BackgroundChina and Spain are world leaders in the consumption of edible bulbs (garlic and onion), but there are few references to their capacity to cause allergic symptoms. The target was to study allergic sensitization and clinical symptoms associated with garlic and onion consumption in a large sample of allergic patients.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted, testing garlic and onion extracts in 8109 patients of all ages seen by our allergy clinic in 2018. Forty-four aeroallergens and foods were tested, including garlic and onion, with prick test and determination of specific IgE. Oral provocation and contact tests were performed if a delayed reaction was suspected. Western Blot was performed in the serum of patients positive to garlic and onion.ResultsWe conducted 356,798 skin tests and 4254 specific IgE determinations. Of the 8109 patients tested, 2508 (30.92%) presented with symptoms associated with food intake and, in these patients, food hypersensitivity was detected by skin test, positive specific IgE or provocation in 924 patients, and was caused by garlic or onions in 27, indicating a prevalence of 2.92%. Immunodetection showed an association between the symptoms and a specific LTP to these bulbs, without cross-reactivity with other LTPs in the Mediterranean diet (peach, wheat).ConclusionsAllergic hypersensitivity to garlic and onions should not be underestimated and, given their high consumption, should be included in the diagnostic food allergy battery.     

The role of patch testing for chemical and protein allergens in atopic dermatitis

Many patients who present for evaluation of allergic contact dermatitis have an atopic diathesis. Although the immunologic basis of atopic dermatitis differs from that of allergic contact dermatitis—and patients with atopic dermatitis are less easily sensitized under experimental conditions—atopic patients do develop allergic contact dermatitis, and patch testing is a valuable part of their medical care. Delayed (7-day) patch test readings are especially important in atopic patients to distinguish allergy from irritancy and to evaluate for steroid allergy. The utility of atopy patch tests to aeroallergens such as dust mite is increasingly recognized; aeroallergens may be the cause of a type of protein contact dermatitis.     

Suspicion of macrolide allergy after treatment of infectious diseases including Helicobacter pylori: results of allergological testing

BackgroundMacrolides are useful in a wide range of bacterial infections including upper and lower respiratory tract, skin, and sexually transmitted diseases and are used in Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen. Skin symptoms occurring during drug therapy are mostly attributed to the antibiotic, causing considerable limitations of future therapeutic options. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to demonstrate results of diagnostic testing in cases of clinically suspected immediate and delayed macrolide hypersensitivity.MethodsA total of 125 patients with a history of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity symptoms in temporal relation to treatment with a macrolide antibiotic were studied using standardised skin tests followed by oral challenges. Selected patients with severe symptoms were further evaluated with in vitro tests.Results. Macrolide hypersensitivity was excluded in 109 patients (87.2%) by tolerated oral challenge tests. During 113 challenges in four patients an exanthema was provoked by the suspected macrolide. Only one patient developed a positive late skin test reaction. Out of the 28 Helicobacter pylori-treated patients, one patient with clarithromycin allergy was identified, whereas in eight cases amoxicillin allergy caused the exanthema. Laboratory tests using the suspected macrolides were constantly negative.ConclusionsHistory alone leads to an over-estimation of macrolide hypersensitivity. Moreover, skin and in vitro tests seem to be not very useful in identifying hypersensitive patients. Challenge tests appear to be necessary for definitely confirming or ruling out macrolide allergy.     

Association of atopy, asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and intestinal helminth infections in Cuban children

Objective To examine the relationship of past and current intestinal helminth infections with asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and atopy. Methods Cross‐sectional study of 1320 children aged 4–14 years from two Cuban municipalities. Helminth infections were determined by stool examination and parental questionnaire. Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis were diagnosed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, asthma additionally by spirometry, atopy by skin prick testing. Results Questionnaire‐based frequencies were 21% for asthma, 14% for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 8% for atopic dermatitis. According to spirometry, 4% had asthma; 20% had a positive skin prick test. A history of infection for Enterobius vermicularis was associated with increased risk of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.88, P = 0.001) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 1.34, P = 0.046), and hookworm with increased risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 2.77, P = 0.021). A positive stool examination for Ascaris lumbricoides infection was negatively associated with atopic dermatitis (OR 0.22, P = 0.007). Asthma and atopy were unrelated to helminth infections. Conclusion Current A. lumbricoides infection protects against atopic dermatitis in Cuban children, while past infection with E. vermicularis and hookworm are risk factors for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or atopic dermatitis. Apparently, interactions differ depending on the type of helminth and atopic disease and on the time of helminth infestation.     

Self-reported hypersensitivity and allergy to foods amongst Mexican adolescents: Prevalence and associated factors

Background

The prevalence of food allergy is on the rise on a global scale.

Confirmed penicillin allergy among patients receiving benzathine penicillin prophylaxis for acute rheumatic fever

BackgroundBeta-lactam antibiotics are the most frequent drugs prescribed in children worldwide. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is the major cause of acquired heart disease among children and adolescents. Recurrences due to inadequate penicillin prophylaxis are responsible for chronic valvular lesions requiring surgery. The fear of a severe allergic reaction is the leading cause of discontinuing prophylaxis.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to reveal the frequency of adverse events and real allergic reactions to benzathine penicillin among children who are followed in our paediatric cardiology clinic with a diagnosis of ARF.Materials methodsThe children who were followed with a diagnosis of ARF between January 2005 and December 2011 were searched for a history of penicillin allergy. Patients with a positive history were evaluated in our paediatric allergy clinic. Skin tests and provocation tests were performed with parental consent.ResultsIn total 535 children with a diagnosis of ARF were analysed for the study. Median follow up period was 24 months (12–36) [median (%25–75)]. Eleven of our 535 (11/17.641 injection) ARF patients were suspected to have allergic reactions after 17.641 penicillin injections but only one (0.18%) was diagnosed to have penicillin allergy after detailed evaluation.ConclusionOur data suggest that the frequency of penicillin allergy is much lower than suspected among children on penicillin prophylaxis for ARF. Consequently, penicillin prophylaxis should not be given up without proper evaluation of drug allergy.     

Prevalence of and risk factors for the development of atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren aged 12–14 in northwest Croatia

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis is a common allergic disorder. A multifactorial background for atopic dermatitis has been suggested, with genetic as well as environmental factors influencing disease development. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence rate and associated factors for atopic dermatitis in northern Croatia using the methods of the internationally standardised ISAAC protocol.MethodsThe study was undertaken among 12–14-year-old schoolchildren. Data were collected using standardised ISAAC written questionnaire Phase One and some selected questions from the ISAAC supplementary questionnaire completed by parents.ResultsA total of 2887 children participated in the study. Estimated lifetime (ever) prevalence rate of atopic dermatitis symptoms was 7.55% and estimated 12-month prevalence rate was 5.75%. The factors found to be associated to the symptoms of atopic dermatitis ever were: positive family atopy, female gender, sleeping on feather pillow and contact with pets after age of seven, and to the symptoms in the past 12 months were: positive family atopy, female gender, sleeping on feather pillow, parasite infestation, and contact with pets in the first year of life.ConclusionsThe results of our study show that northern Croatia is a region with moderate prevalence rates of atopic dermatitis. Following risk factors were family atopy, female gender and sleeping on feather pillow. Because of controversial results of previous studies conducted on the same topic further investigations should be made.     

Food allergy in Catalonia: Clinical manifestations and its association with airborne allergens

BackgroundFood allergy affects around 6% of the European population and its prevalence worldwide has been increasing in the last decades, but studies focused on investigating food allergy epidemiology in Europe are lacking.ObjectiveThe Cibus project was created to register the main culprit foods and their clinical manifestations in food allergic patients in Catalonia.MethodsA specific online database was designed. Allergists from eight different Catalan hospitals registered the new diagnoses of food allergy.Results618 food allergic patients were included. Egg and milk were the main elicitors in the early ages, while fruits and nuts were the most frequent in patients >14 years old. Fish was more frequent in children, while seafood and Anisakis allergy were more frequent in the >14-year-old group. Overall, peach was the most prevalent food eliciting an allergic reaction (10%). Food allergy diagnosis was reached using compatible clinical history and positive skin prick test to the involved food in 98% of cases. Globally, urticaria was the most frequently reported manifestation in our population (48.2%), followed by oral allergy syndrome (25.6%) and anaphylaxis (24.8%).ConclusionsThe Cibus project gives a full overview of the profile of food allergic patients in Catalonia and reinforces the predominance of plant food allergies in the Mediterranean area.