Author
Didier G. Ebo
Other affiliations: National University of Singapore, Health Science University
Bio: Didier G. Ebo is an academic researcher from University of Antwerp. The author has contributed to research in topics: Basophil activation & Immunoglobulin E. The author has an hindex of 47, co-authored 300 publications receiving 7341 citations. Previous affiliations of Didier G. Ebo include National University of Singapore & Health Science University.
Topics: Basophil activation, Immunoglobulin E, Allergy, Basophil, Medicine
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
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TL;DR: The nature of basophil activation as an ex vivo challenge makes it a multifaceted and promising tool for the allergist, and it ought to precede challenge testing.
Abstract: The basophil activation test (BAT) has become a pervasive test for allergic response through the development of flow cytometry, discovery of activation markers such as CD63 and unique markers identifying basophil granulocytes. Basophil activation test measures basophil response to allergen cross-linking IgE on between 150 and 2000 basophil granulocytes in <0.1 ml fresh blood. Dichotomous activation is assessed as the fraction of reacting basophils. In addition to clinical history, skin prick test, and specific IgE determination, BAT can be a part of the diagnostic evaluation of patients with food-, insect venom-, and drug allergy and chronic urticaria. It may be helpful in determining the clinically relevant allergen. Basophil sensitivity may be used to monitor patients on allergen immunotherapy, anti-IgE treatment or in the natural resolution of allergy. Basophil activation test may use fewer resources and be more reproducible than challenge testing. As it is less stressful for the patient and avoids severe allergic reactions, BAT ought to precede challenge testing. An important next step is to standardize BAT and make it available in diagnostic laboratories. The nature of basophil activation as an ex vivo challenge makes it a multifaceted and promising tool for the allergist. In this EAACI task force position paper, we provide an overview of the practical and technical details as well as the clinical utility of BAT in diagnosis and management of allergic diseases.
288 citations
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TL;DR: Correct management of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia requires a multidisciplinary approach with prompt recognition and treatment of the acute event by the attending anaesthesiologist and subsequent determination of the responsible agent(s).
Abstract: Correct management of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia requires a multidisciplinary approach with prompt recognition and treatment of the acute event by the attending anaesthesiologist, and subsequent determination of the responsible agent(s) with strict avoidance of subsequent administration of all incriminated and/or cross-reacting compounds However, correct identification of the causative compound(s) and safe alternatives is not always straightforward and, too often, not done This review is not intended to discuss acute management of anaesthesia-related anaphylaxis but summarizes the major causes of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia and the diagnostic approach of this rare but potentially life-threatening complication Apart from general principles about the diagnostic approach, history taking and importance of tryptase quantification, more specific confirmatory diagnostic procedures are organized on the basis of the major causes of perioperative anaphylactic reactions
203 citations
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Humanitas University1, University of Cartagena2, University of Genoa3, Hebron University4, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna5, University of Helsinki6, Autonomous University of Barcelona7, University of Paris8, University of Montpellier9, Erasmus University Rotterdam10, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León11, Mayo Clinic12, Kırıkkale University13, University of São Paulo14, University of South Florida15, San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation16, University of Marburg17, Nippon Medical School18, Federal University of Paraná19, University of Missouri–Kansas City20, Royal Children's Hospital21, Tan Tock Seng Hospital22, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University23, Medical University of Vienna24, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine25, Charité26
TL;DR: A thorough and updated critical appraisal of the most frequently used diagnostic tests, both in vivo and in vitro, and discusses skin tests, challenges, and serological and cellular in vitro tests, and provides an overview of indications, advantages and disadvantages of each in conditions such as respiratory, food, venom, drug, and occupational allergy.
199 citations
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TL;DR: A comprehensive review of clinically validated studies on allergy to aeroallergens, insect venoms, latex, food allergens and drugs, as well as chronic urticaria shows clearly that even with different protocols, reproducible and meaningful results can be obtained.
Abstract: For the diagnosis of allergy, cellular basophil activation tests (BAT), e.g. histamine or sulfidoleukotriene release tests, have long been introduced, but the expression of basophil activation markers
181 citations
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TL;DR: The technique proves valuable in the diagnosis of non‐IgE‐mediated (anaphylactoid) reactions such drug hypersensitivity and the detection of autoantibodies in certain forms of chronic urticaria and a viewpoint on how the field might evolve in the following years is provided.
Abstract: Physicians predominantly rely upon quantification of serum-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and/or skin test to confirm clinically suspected IgE-mediated allergy. However, for various reasons, identification of the offending allergen(s) and potentially cross-reactive structures is not always straightforward. Flow-assisted allergy diagnosis relies upon quantification of alterations in the expression of particular basophilic activation markers. Actually, upon challenge with a specific allergen, basophils not only secrete quantifiable bioactive mediators but also upregulate the expression of different markers which can be detected efficiently by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies. Currently, the technique has been applied in the investigation of IgE-mediated allergy caused by classical inhalant allergens, food, Hevea latex, hymenoptera venoms and drugs. It is also appreciated; the technique proves valuable in the diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated (anaphylactoid) reactions such drug hypersensitivity and the detection of autoantibodies in certain forms of chronic urticaria. This review will not address immunologic features, characteristics and general pitfalls of flow-assisted analysis of in vitro-activated basophils as summarized elsewhere. After a recapitulation of the principles and some specific technical issues of flow-assisted analysis of in vitro-activated basophils, we principally focus on the current clinical and research applications of the basophil activation tests. Personal experience of both research groups is provided, where appropriate. Finally, a viewpoint on how the field might evolve in the following years is provided.
175 citations
Cited by
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TL;DR: Recent findings regarding human TReg cells are discussed, including the ontogeny and development of TReg cell subsets that have naive or memory phenotypes, the unique mechanisms of suppression mediated by TRegcell subsets and factors that regulateTReg cell lineage commitment.
Abstract: Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)(+) regulatory T (T(Reg)) cells are potent mediators of dominant self tolerance in the periphery. But confusion as to the identity, stability and suppressive function of human T(Reg) cells has, to date, impeded the general therapeutic use of these cells. Recent studies have suggested that human T(Reg) cells are functionally and phenotypically diverse. Here we discuss recent findings regarding human T(Reg) cells, including the ontogeny and development of T(Reg) cell subsets that have naive or memory phenotypes, the unique mechanisms of suppression mediated by T(Reg) cell subsets and factors that regulate T(Reg) cell lineage commitment. We discuss future studies that are needed for the successful therapeutic use of human T(Reg) cells.
2,134 citations
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University of Padua1, Medical University of Vienna2, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust3, University of Southampton4, St Mary's Hospital5, Charité6, Odense University Hospital7, University Medical Center Groningen8, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust9, University of Geneva10, Hospital Clínico San Carlos11, Utrecht University12, University of Tampere13, University of Manchester14, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens15, University of Copenhagen16, University of Coimbra17, King's College London18, University of Lausanne19, University of Amsterdam20, University of Edinburgh21, University of Zurich22, Boston Children's Hospital23, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research24
TL;DR: The current understanding of the manifestations of food allergy, the role of diagnostic tests, and the effective management of patients of all ages with food allergy is presented.
Abstract: Food allergy can result in considerable morbidity, impact negatively on quality of life, and prove costly in terms of medical care. These guidelines have been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Guidelines for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Group, building on previous EAACI position papers on adverse reaction to foods and three recent systematic reviews on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of food allergy, and provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of food allergy. While the primary audience is allergists, this document is relevant for all other healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, and pediatric and adult specialists, dieticians, pharmacists and paramedics. Our current understanding of the manifestations of food allergy, the role of diagnostic tests, and the effective management of patients of all ages with food allergy is presented. The acute management of non-life-threatening reactions is covered in these guidelines, but for guidance on the emergency management of anaphylaxis, readers are referred to the related EAACI Anaphylaxis Guidelines.
964 citations
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: It is essential to limit the use of antibiotics in general and fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins in particular, especially in uncomplicated infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Abstract: Introduction Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) pose a serious health problem for patients at high cost for society. UTIs are also the most frequent healthcare associated infections. E. coli is the predominating pathogen in uncomplicated UTIs while other Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus spp are isolated in higher frequency in patients with urological diseases. The present state of microbial resistance development is alarming and the rates of resistance are related to the amount of antibiotics used in the different countries. Particularly worrisome is the increasing resistance to broad spectrum antibiotics. It is thus essential to limit the use of antibiotics in general and fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins in particular, especially in uncomplicated infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria.
827 citations
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TL;DR: The review focuses on the principal biochemical, cell biological, catalytic, and structural properties of the enzymes and provides brief reference to tissue distribution, and physiological and pathophysiological functions.
Abstract: Ecto-nucleotidases play a pivotal role in purinergic signal transmission. They hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides and thus can control their availability at purinergic P2 receptors. They generate extracellular nucleosides for cellular reuptake and salvage via nucleoside transporters of the plasma membrane. The extracellular adenosine formed acts as an agonist of purinergic P1 receptors. They also can produce and hydrolyze extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate that is of major relevance in the control of bone mineralization. This review discusses and compares four major groups of ecto-nucleotidases: the ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases, ecto-5′-nucleotidase, ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases, and alkaline phosphatases. Only recently and based on crystal structures, detailed information regarding the spatial structures and catalytic mechanisms has become available for members of these four ecto-nucleotidase families. This permits detailed predictions of their catalytic mechanisms and a comparison between the individual enzyme groups. The review focuses on the principal biochemical, cell biological, catalytic, and structural properties of the enzymes and provides brief reference to tissue distribution, and physiological and pathophysiological functions.
817 citations