SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007

December 26, 2007

Stability of Mixtures of Allergens an a Single Extract

Summary
One of the most frequent topics we are asked about on the AADMC web site regards the stability of mixtures of allergens in a given extract. Although there are data in the literature dealing with this issue, the complexity is such that definitive answers to questions may not yet be available. For example, stability depends on concentration as well as the stabilizers added to the preparation.

In this study, investigators prepared mixtures of several allergens including grass, dust mite, cat, and short ragweed with fungal and cockroach extracts. This was done at differing glycerin concentrations. These extracts were stored at 2 degrees to 8 degrees centigrade for one year. The mixtures were then tested for allergen stability and potency.

Cockroach and fungal extracts did interfere with potency of meadow fescue grass allergens. They did not affect dust mite extracts. Cat and short ragweed allergen were not affected by dust mite.

As expected, higher glycerin concentrations showed greater protective activity. These data are somewhat more optimistic in regards to stability than previous studies.

The authors concluded that we need further investigations in this regard and continued efforts to achieve stability with mixtures.

Reference
Grier TJ, et al. Stability of standardized grass, dust mite, cat, and short ragweed allergens after mixing with mold or cockroach extracts. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2007; 99:151-160.

 

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