Simona Mezzacappa studies how individuals with cow's milk allergies can safely consume milk through a treatment called oral desensitization. This process gradually introduces small amounts of milk to help patients develop tolerance, meaning their bodies learn to accept milk without triggering allergic reactions. She specifically investigates how well a blood test, known as the Basophil Activation Test, can track changes in the immune response as patients undergo this treatment, enabling doctors to monitor their progress more effectively.
Key findings
In a pilot study with three patients, specific allergy antibodies (IgE) decreased while tolerance-related antibodies (IgG4) increased after treatment.
The Basophil Activation Test (BAT) demonstrated a significant reduction in allergic reactions to milk proteins during the monitoring process.
This study highlights the BAT's potential as a reliable tool in tracking the acquisition of clinical tolerance in patients undergoing oral desensitization.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Mezzacappa study food allergies?
Yes, Dr. Mezzacappa specializes in food allergies, specifically cow's milk allergies.
What treatments has Dr. Mezzacappa researched?
She has researched oral desensitization, a treatment that helps patients gradually gain tolerance to cow's milk.
Can Dr. Mezzacappa's work help patients with allergies?
Yes, her research aims to improve understanding and management of cow's milk allergies for patients and their healthcare providers.
Publications in plain English
Impact of nickel oral hyposensitization on quality of life in systemic nickel allergy syndrome.
2020
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
Rizzi A, Di Rienzo A, Buonomo A, Aruanno A, Carusi V +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how a treatment called nickel oral hyposensitization (NiOHT) affects the quality of life for people with systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS). Researchers found that after one year of treatment, patients reported a 20% improvement in their overall health-related quality of life. This is important because it shows that NiOHT can significantly help those suffering from this allergy feel better and improve their daily lives.
Who this helps: This helps patients with systemic nickel allergy syndrome.
Nucera E, Mezzacappa S, Buonomo A, Centrone M, Rizzi A +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective latex immunotherapy is for people allergic to natural rubber latex. Researchers treated 76 patients with this therapy for over three years and found that the size of skin reactions to latex decreased, along with specific allergy-related antibodies in the blood. This is important because it shows that this treatment can reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with latex allergies seeking relief from their symptoms.
Specific oral immunotherapy in food allergic patients: transient or persistent tolerance?
2018
Postepy dermatologii i alergologii
Nucera E, Ricci AG, Rizzi A, Mezzacappa S, Rienzo AD +5 more
Plain English In this study, researchers looked at 13 patients with food allergies who underwent a treatment called specific oral desensitization to see if they could maintain their tolerance to certain foods after stopping the treatment. They found that all patients initially became desensitized, but when they stopped eating the allergens, 12 out of 13 had allergic reactions when they reintroduced these foods later. This indicates that the tolerance gained from the treatment is temporary, and regular consumption of the allergens is needed to keep that tolerance.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with food allergies and their doctors by clarifying the need for ongoing exposure to allergens after desensitization.
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Pecora V, Patriarca G +3 more
Plain English In this study, researchers looked at how effective a treatment called profilin desensitization is for patients with allergies to plant-based foods. They treated seven patients by gradually increasing their exposure to profilin, and found that after the treatment, five patients had less severe allergic reactions when tested, and all of them could eat foods they previously couldn't without reacting. This matters because it shows that this treatment can help people manage their food allergies safely.
Who this helps: Patients with plant-based food allergies.
Cross-reactivity and Tolerability of Ertapenem in Patients With IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity to β-Lactams.
2016
Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology
Buonomo A, Pascolini L, Rizzi A, Aruanno A, Pecora V +6 more
Plain English This study looked at whether a drug called ertapenem could be safely given to patients who are allergic to certain antibiotics known as β-lactams. Out of 49 patients tested, 35 were able to safely receive ertapenem after showing negative allergy tests. This is important because it suggests that many patients with β-lactam allergies may not need to avoid carbapenem antibiotics, which can be critical for treating infections.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with β-lactam allergies who require antibiotic treatment.
Hypersensitivity to major panallergens in a population of 120 patients.
2015
Postepy dermatologii i alergologii
Nucera E, Mezzacappa S, Aruanno A, Pecora V, Rizzi A +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how many patients in central and southern Italy are allergic to three common allergens found in fruits and vegetables: lipid transfer proteins (LTP), profilin, and PR-10. Out of 120 patients tested, 76 were allergic to LTP, 14 to profilin, and 5 to PR-10. Most patients with LTP allergies experienced serious reactions, while those allergic to profilin mostly had mild oral symptoms. This is important because it highlights that LTP should be recognized as a significant food allergen in this region.
Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients with food allergies and doctors treating them.
Utility of Basophil Activation Test for monitoring the acquisition of clinical tolerance after oral desensitization to cow's milk: Pilot study.
2015
United European gastroenterology journal
Nucera E, Pecora V, Buonomo A, Rizzi A, Aruanno A +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a blood test, called the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), can track if people with cow's milk allergies become tolerant to milk after a special treatment called oral desensitization. In three male patients who went through this treatment, the results showed that while their specific allergy antibodies (IgE) went down, a different type of antibody (IgG4) went up, and the blood tests indicated that their allergic reactions to milk proteins were significantly reduced. This matters because it suggests that the BAT can effectively monitor the progress of treatment and the development of tolerance in food allergy patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with cow's milk allergies and their doctors.