Rosario Nicotra

Dr. Rosario Nicotra

microbiology

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 December 2020 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Eleonora NuceraEleonora Nucera
Eleonora Nucera
Inchingolo RiccardoInchingolo Riccardo
Inchingolo Riccardo
RNRosario Nicotra
Rosario Nicotra
MFManuela Ferraironi
Manuela Ferraironi
ARAnna Giulia Ricci
Anna Giulia Ricci
Angela RizziAngela Rizzi
Angela Rizzi
Background: The basophil activation test (BAT) is used to improve the accuracy of food allergy diagnosis. To date, the influence of antiallergic drugs on BAT reactivity is poorly investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate if BAT results were influenced by antihistamine intake for 3 months in a cohort of patients with IgE-mediated food allergy to milk or egg. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, observational study was performed. We enrolled subjects with history of hypersensitivity reaction after specific food ingestion, positive skin prick tests and specific IgEs, concomitant allergic rhinitis, and, contraindication to the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge due to personal history of systemic reactions related to the ingestion of culprit food. Validated allergens (α-lactoalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, casein, egg white, and yolk) for BAT were used. Results: Thirty-nine patients with well-documented food symptoms and positive allergological workup were included in the study. BAT was positive in 29 patients. The mean percentages of CD63+ expression to specific culprit allergen did not change after the administration of drugs. Conclusions: This was the first study assessing the effects of oral antihistamines on basophil reactivity in cow’s milk and egg food allergy. Antihistamines do not interfere with BAT results.