Allergy

Medical Scope

The prevalence of allergy has been inexorably rising for a number of years to the point that 15-20% of the population now suffers from this type of disease. Since the discovery of IgE in 1967, testing for this disease has become more reliable with the development of a broad range of serum-based tests (specific IgE and IgG, constitutionally expressed and induced mediators, cytokines) and cell-based tests for a variety of effector cells (basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes).

Activities and Techniques

Biomnis’ main activity concerns assaying for specific IgEs directed against more than 400 different allergens. We also assay specific IgG and IgG 4 to monitor desensitisation protocols (notably for hypersensitivity to hymenopteran venom) and can test cells to measure the production of various mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes.
 
As part of a national biological air quality monitoring network, the laboratory detects and quantifies various types of pollen collected at a site in the City of Lyon.
Biomnis also addresses drug-induced allergic reactions occurring during surgery (affiliated with GERAP*) as well as reactions to iodine-based contrast media (the CIRTACI** Protocol). Finally, we study food allergy by trying to identify antigenic determinants common to both airborne and alimentary allergens.

*GERAP: Groupe d’Etude des Réactions Anaphylactoïdes Peranesthésiques, Peranaesthesia Anaphylactic Reaction Study Group
**CIRTACI: Comité Interdisciplinaire de Recherche et de Travail sur les Agents de Contraste en Imagerie, International Research and Working Committee on Imaging Contrast Media