Hypersensitivity, Immediate, Allergy
Conditions
Keywords
Birch rust fungi, Melampsoridium Betulinum, Allergy, Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, Allergic asthma
Brief summary
In this project we study if spores from birch rust fungi (Melampsoridium Betulinum = MB) may be the eliciting allergen in patients with seasonal airway allergy during autumn in North Norway. Patients with suspected allergy to MB are compared with non-allergic controls using data about allergic disease and daily allergic symptoms during autumn. Daily spread of MB spores are compared with daily variations in allergic symptoms. Sensitization to MB and MB allergy are tested with skin prick test, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, nasal provocation test and basophil activation test (BAT).
Detailed description
It is unknown why patients experience seasonal airway allergy during autumn in Norway, when there is no spread of pollen. Some old studies indicate that rust fungi on other plants may act as allergens to humans (1-6). In Norway, some patients report typical symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma from August to October which stops when temperature falls below zero (Celsius). Based on several patient experiences we hypothesize that MB may cause seasonal airway allergy during autumn. In this pilot study we will compare 30 patients with suspected allergy to MB with a control group of 15 non-allergic individuals. All 45 participants will answer the MeDALL (mechanisms of the development of allergy) questionnaire (7) about allergic diseases and daily register allergic symptoms (8) in the period from 1st of August to 15th of October 2020. Daily variations in symptoms will be compared with daily variations in spread of MB spores registered in pollen traps. Sensitization to MB will be tested with skin prick test and specific IgE in serum and allergy to MB with nasal provocation test and basophil activation test (BAT). Identification of allergens and production of MB extracts for testing will be performed by Luxembourg institute of Health (LiH)(9-12) and BAT by Oslo University hospital (13-14)
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTMeDALL questionnaire for allergic diseases
Questionnaire about allergic symptoms and disease
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTRegistration of allergic symptoms
Daily registration of allergic symptoms from eyes, nose and lungs on scale from 0-10 and daily registration of use of anti allergic medication from 1st of August to 15th of October.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTSkin Prick Test
Diagnostic skin test for sensitization to allergens
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTSpecific IgE in serum
Diagnostic test for sensitization to allergens in serum
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTNasal provocation test
Diagnostic test for allergic rhinitis. Patients and controls are exposed to an allergen with a nasal spray. Allergic reactions are measured with Linder score and Pean Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF)
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTBasophil Activation Test
Basophil leukocytes are extracted from full blood and exposed to 6 different doses of allergen and activation of basophils are measured.
Sponsors
Luxembourg Institute of Health
Oslo University Hospital
University Hospital of North Norway
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Self reported seasonal airway allergic symptoms during autumn
Exclusion criteria
* Perennial airway allergic symptoms without worsening during autumn
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy to Birch rust fungi | 1st of August to 15th of October 2020 | Allergic symptoms during spread of Birch rust spores and positive sensitization and nasal provocation test to birch rust fungi. |
Countries
Norway
Contacts
Primary ContactMartin Sørensen, PhD
Backup ContactElin Ørbeck Vallevik, MD
Outcome results
None listed