Screening for Compositae contact sensitization with sesquiterpene lactones and Compositae mix 2.5% pet

Abstract

Background Compositae contact sensitization may be difficult to diagnose because of a lack of reliable screening allergens. Objectives To assess the suitability of Compositae mix II 2.5% pet. (CM2.5) as a screening mix in the baseline series combined with sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix and parthenolide (PTH). Methods CM2.5 was added to the baseline series, which included SL mix and PTH 0.1% pet., in January 2015, and PTH was included in TRUE Test Panel 3 in October 2015. All Compositae‐sensitive patients diagnosed or tested in the next 4 years were assessed. Results Altogether, 57 patients (2.7%) presented with Compositae allergy. At the primary testing in 53 newly diagnosed patients, SL mix elicited positive reactions most frequently (53% positive), followed by CM2.5 (47% positive), and PTH (45% positive). CM2.5 and PTH pet. elicited a few irritant reactions. Three patients had late reactions. Altogether, 16 patients (28%) were not detected by any of the 3 screening agents. Conclusions The SL mix is an indispensable, though insufficient, screening mixture in Denmark. It may be relatively safely supplemented with CM2.5 and PTH in the TRUE Test system for screening, but when Compositae sensitization is suspected, further extracts should be tested based on history.