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Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology
Current Allergy and Clinical Immunology is the official journal of the Allergy Society of South Africa and is produced as a service to understanding and communication in the field of allergy.
| Publisher | Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Quarterly |
| Coverage | Vol 18 Number 2 Jun 2005 - current |
| Accreditation(s) |
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) |
| Language | English |
| Journal Status | Active |
| Collection(s) |
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The immunology of mind control : exploring the relationship between the microbiome and the brain (part II)
More LessPart two of this four-part series continues to evaluate the relationship between the human species and the human gut microbiome, focusing on whether their relationship is symbiotic, parasitic or somewhere in between. Basing our work on animal studies, we shall explore the possibilities and compare them to scientific facts proved in human beings. In particular, close attention will be paid to the relationship between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS) and the effect of this relationship on human behaviour. The relationship is termed the ‘microbiome–gut–brain axis’. Through a number of pathways, the gut microbiome has an influence on stress (both acute and chronic), anxiety, loneliness and depression, as well as odour and attraction. It has also been associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and with associated cognitive decline. Since the common treatments used for these conditions are not equally effective in all patients, it is vital for clinicians to explore other avenues as therapeutic targets. The gut microbiome, in particular, requires further research to aid the development of future therapies for certain conditions. The concept of the mind control of human beings by organisms in the microbiome is relatively new, but it has been demonstrated through multiple examples in the animal kingdom. Animal studies in this regard have shown promising results, but human studies are infrequent and often present disappointing results. Randomised control trials in human beings are greatly needed to prove, or disprove, the effects of the gut microbiome on complex psychiatric diseases.
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Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
More LessDr Frequenthandwash, the infectious disease specialist, is perplexed about Stacey, a 37-year-old women. She keeps having to admit Stacey to hospital for treatment due to recurrent episodes of oesophageal candidiasis. These episodes seem to be causing complications and, at a recent endoscopy, it was noted that she was developing an oesophageal stricture secondary to repeat candida infections.
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Ethics, the law and smoke-free work environments
More LessSmoking is the world’s leading avoidable cause of death. Despite local and international legislation and campaigns, smoking remains a major public health issue. Smoke-free workplaces are a potential solution to diminish second-hand smoke exposure and to help smokers to stop smoking. The autonomy and rights of smokers are weighed against beneficence and the harms of exposing non-smokers to second-hand smoke. Social justice considerations are important as many smokers in South Africa belong to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
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Mapping the emollient landscape of South Africa
More LessDaily leave-on emollient therapy is a foundation of long-term atopic dermatitis management. Meta-analysis suggests an equivalent efficacy of moisturisers with different base ingredients in reducing the number and prolonging the time to atopic dermatitis flares. South Africa has a large and growing number of leave-on emollients marketed for use in atopic dermatitis patients, making it challenging for healthcare providers and patients to make informed choices. The aim of this study was to map the landscape of leave-on emollients available in South Africa and to create a comprehensive, easy-to-use table to facilitate the informed prescription and use of these products. The table was created by contacting and visiting major department stores, online websites and pharmaceutical company representatives for ingredient lists, cost per gram and availability of emollients specifically marketed for leave-on care in atopic dermatitis. Fifty-eight emollients were included in the first edition of the South African emollient informed prescriber, more than two-thirds of which were occlusive moisturisers with a petrolatum or liquid paraffin base ingredient. Median (range) cost per gram and total ingredient number were R0.45 (R0.10–R4.38) and 10 (1–33), respectively. In all of the tabulated emollients at least one contact sensitiser was identified. The first edition of the ‘Emollients in SA: matching cream to patient’ informed prescriber was published in September 2018 and was made available at the annual national allergy and dermatology congresses. The prescriber will be updated annually to ensure that emollients new to the market are included, and that pricing and availability information remain accurate.
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Platinum-salt sensitisation and occupational asthma in a non-platinum refinery worker
More LessIntroduction: Cases of sensitisation to platinum salts within platinum-processing sectors (particularly platinum refineries and motor-vehicle, catalytic-convertor production) have been extensively described. However, the occurrence of platinumsalt sensitisation outside of these sectors is less well known. We present a case of platinum-salt sensitisation in a chemical plant worker cleaning reactors from platinum refineries.Methodology: A 32-year-old man working at a chemical plant presented at the National Institute for Occupational Health’s Occupational Medicine Clinic for evaluation of potential work-related asthma. A medical evaluation, including spirometry and a skin-prick test for sodium hexachloroplatinate and ammonium chloroplatinate salts (platinum salts), was performed.
Results: The worker had convincing evidence of occupational asthma induced by platinum salts: there was a temporal association between lower respiratory symptoms and workplace exposure; he had objective evidence of asthma; and he had exposure to a known cause of occupational asthma, namely, platinum salts. Positive skin-prick tests to two platinum salts – an 11 mm wheal average for sodium hexachloroplatinate and a 10 mm wheal average for ammonium chloroplatinate – provided support that platinum salts were the causative agent.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates that platinum-salt sensitisation and resultant allergic diseases can occur outside the traditional industries associated with exposure to platinum salts. Healthcare providers should be aware of this, and occupational health services need to prevent sensitisation through appropriate hazard control – in this case cleaning of reactors at the refinery – and to consider medical surveillance of exposed workers. Thorough workplace health-risk assessments are required to adequately identify potential exposures.
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© Publisher: Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA)
© Publisher: Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA)