Presently, there has been an increase in the consumption of the blue–green microalga–spirulina (Arthrospira species), which dominates 99.5% of the total world production of microalgae. Primarily sold as a dietary supplement, it is also incorporated into snacks, pasta, cookies, and bread. Owing to its nutrient abundance, spirulina has a variety of potential applications. Extensive studies have been conducted on the health benefits of spirulina, but its safety in terms of allergy has received limited attention. Therefore, to bridge this knowledge deficit, this review aimed to evaluate the allergenic and antiallergic potential of spirulina. In the PubMed and Scopus databases using words related to allergy, we attempted to detect papers on hypersensitivity to spirulina. A total of 128 records were identified, of which 49 were screened. Ultimately, in this review, we analyzed four case studies, encompassing a total of five patients with allergies to spirulina. We assessed the severity of allergic reactions following World Allergy Organization (WAO) Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020, which varied from mild (grade 2) to severe (grade 4) based on the patient’s symptoms. Additionally, our findings indicate that allergy to spirulina is not commonly reported or diagnosed. However, most of the described cases (four of five) regarding allergy to spirulina according to WAO Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020 were classified as anaphylaxis. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that spirulina also possesses antiallergic properties, as evidenced by research studies. Our article delves into both the allergic and antiallergic potential of spirulina.

Individual populations show a variety of sensitization patterns, which may be associated with the geographic region, climate, dietary habits, or ways of preparing food. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the food allergy sensitization profile in Polish children, particularly to eight food allergens (so-called “the Big 8”): cow milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. To assess the prevalence and serum levels of specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE), we analyzed the results obtained from selected laboratories located in all regions of Poland that used the multiplex ALEX^® test in the period from 2019 to 2022. Results from 3715 children were obtained. The mean age of the study population was 7.0 years. The results were stratified by age: <12 months (3.63%), 1–5 years (39.54%), 6–13 years (46.32%), and 14–18 years (10.0%). The final analysis included the sIgE results obtained with 95 food extracts and 77 food allergen molecules. The highest rates of sIgE to food allergen extracts were found for peanut (29.20%), hazel (28.20%), and apple (23.60%), and those to allergenic molecules were found for the PR-10 family of molecules (Cor a 1.0401 (23.77%), Mal d 1 (22.37%), Ara h 8 (16.93%), and globulin 7/8S (Ara h 1; 15.59%)). The lowest rates of sIgE reactivity to extracts were found for strawberry (0.40%), oregano (0.30%), and thornback ray (0.16%), and those to allergenic molecules were found for Mal d 2 (0.27%) (thaumatin-like protein, TLP), Ani s 1 (0.30%) (Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor), and Che a 1 (0.43%) (Ole e 1 family). The rates of sensitization to storage proteins of the analyzed “the Big 8” molecules decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with age. Conversely, the rates of sensitization to PR-10 family proteins increased significantly with age. The three most common allergens in Poland, regardless of whether IgE was assayed against extracts or molecules of food allergens, were peanut, hazel, and apple (in different order depending on the ranking). A detailed analysis of sensitization to the extracts and molecules of main food allergens based on the results of a multiplex ALEX^® test demonstrated the sensitization profile in Polish children (including molecular sensitization, particularly the “the Big 8” food allergen molecules), which shows considerable differences in comparison with those in other countries. Serum sIgE analysis of children from all regions of Poland revealed a food allergen molecular sensitization profile that changes with age.

Thirty years have passed since the concept of latex-fruit syndrome (LFS) was first introduced. Since then, this phenomenon, characterized by cross-reactivity between natural latex rubber allergens and certain fruit allergens, has been extensively studied. This literature review sought to determine the prevalence of LFS in latex-allergic patients, identify the most common cross-reactions with fruit allergens in individuals with LFS, and understand the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. An extensive literature search was carried out using PubMed and Scopus databases, while applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology. The analysis of original studies revealed a wide variation in LFS prevalence (4–88%) influenced by diverse diagnostic tools, different geographical regions, and the size of study populations. Our findings indicate that the most prevalent allergenic fruits in patients with LFS are banana, avocado, kiwifruit, and papaya. After evaluating the symptoms of the fruit hypersensitivity of patients with LFS, the clinical manifestation of hypersensitivity constituted 73% of systemic allergy symptoms and only 27% of reported symptoms described the localized allergy. Furthermore, the clinical picture of latex-fruit syndrome is illustrated through two cases, one typical and one with an unusual presentation. Their clinical features were assessed and contrasted utilizing different anaphylaxis severity grading criteria. To properly manage LFS, it is essential to establish standardized diagnostic criteria and severity grading systems, as these are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Furry animals are familiar companions in modern society. Despite multiple beneficial roles in economic and social contexts, they can be the source of allergenic compounds. Moreover, research indicates that these allergens could be detected even in households where animals are not present. Consequently, the risk of asthma exacerbation is increased. Furthermore, accurately diagnosing a genuine allergy to furry animals remains a significant challenge for medical practitioners. Therefore, this review aims to gather and summarize valid information regarding three main groups of allergens associated with furry animals, including lipocalins, serum albumins, and secretoglobins. In this manuscript, we clarify the molecular structure of allergens, discuss cross-reactions between them, and highlight their clinical importance. We also outline the diagnostic techniques for furry animal allergy, as well as novel, emerging therapies. Additionally, we discuss the occupational risks of allergies for both laboratory workers and cattle farmers. Graphical abstract Created in BioRender[1]

(1) Background. Coeliac disease (CD) often co-occurs with autoimmune conditions or genetic syndromes, but there are few studies on the co-existence of CD and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies. The purpose of this study was to assess sensitization to food and aero-allergens in pediatric patients with CD. (2) Methods. A multiplex ALEX^®2 test was used to determine specific IgEs (sIgEs). (3) Results. The study included 108 children newly diagnosed with CD. Allergen extract- and/or allergen molecule-sIgEs were detected in 49.1% of children. Most children (41.5%) were sensitized to both inhalant and food allergens. The three most common aero-allergens (timothy pollen, ryegrass, silver birch) were molecules Phl p 1, Lol p 1, and Bet v 1. The most common food allergens (hazelnut, apple, and peanut) were Cor a 1, Mal d 1, and Ara h 8 molecules of the PR-10 subfamily. Patients were not sensitized to cereal allergens containing gluten. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis of sensitized patients showed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.31) between the patients’ age and the occurrence of positive sIgEs (≥0.3 kU_A/L) for inhalant allergen molecules (p = 0.045). In sensitized patients, mainly symptoms of inhalant allergy were observed, such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, and bronchial asthma. (4) Conclusions. The current study indicates the co-occurrence of IgE sensitization to food and inhalant allergens in children with CD. The study highlights the need to take a closer look at the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy in patients with CD, which may help in their care and lead to a better understanding of the relationship between CD and IgE-mediated allergy.

Introduction: House dust mite (HDM) allergens are considered among the most essential elicitors of allergic rhinitis and asthma worldwide [1]. How can we determine the individual sensitization profile of a patient? Is there a way to monitor the development of allergic symptoms? Is it possible to tailor different forms of therapy based on the individual sensitization profile of a patient? Purpose: The study aims to show the benefits of molecular diagnostics of allergies based on the example of HDM allergy. Description of the state of knowledge: Clinical manifestation is the most important aspect of diagnosing HDM allergy. The determination of allergen specific immunoglobulins E (asIgE) against HDM extracts may be helpful in the identification of the cause of allergy symptoms. However, the diagnosis using allergen extracts cannot be established in all cases. What revolutionised the diagnosing process of HDM allergy is the molecular diagnostics of allergy. Based on the presence of asIgE against allergen molecules it is possible to identify the allergen responsible for the sensitisation as well as personalise the therapeutic recommendations. Summary: The molecular diagnostics of allergy significantly improved the specificity and sensitivity of HDM allergy diagnostics. Molecular diagnostics in individuals with HDM allergy make it possible to establish the individual patient’s allergy profile, and consequently personalise therapeutic recommendations. It is especially important regarding the selection of patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. The component-resolved diagnostics in allergology is a step toward personalised medicine.