Does allergen-specific immunotherapy induce contact allergy to aluminium?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Allergy Research

Background:

• Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) using aluminium-precipitated antigens can cause injection site reactions.
• Contact allergy to aluminium has been occasionally reported following ASIT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the incidence of contact allergy to aluminium during ASIT.
• To identify potential risk factors for developing aluminium allergy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicentre study involving 205 participants undergoing ASIT.
• Utilized questionnaires and patch testing to assess aluminium allergy development.
• Included both children and adults.

Main Results:

• No significant increase in aluminium allergy was observed in ASIT groups compared to controls.
• Out of 205 participants, 8 developed positive patch tests to aluminium post-therapy.
• Children and individuals with atopic dermatitis were disproportionately represented among those with positive aluminium allergy tests.

Conclusions:

• ASIT is not identified as a risk factor for developing contact allergy to aluminium.
• Children and patients with atopic dermatitis represent a higher-risk group for aluminium allergy development, irrespective of ASIT.