Table 1 Summary of definitions
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Polysensitization | Sensitization (as confirmed by SPTs or ssIgE assays) to two or more allergens |
Paucisensitization | Polysensitization (as confirmed by specific SPTs or ssIgE assays) to between two and four allergens. |
Co-sensitization, | IgE reactivity reactions in which multiple, unrelated sensitizations arise against structurally unrelated allergen groups. |
Cross-sensitization/cross-reactivity, | IgE reactivity reactions in which IgE antibodies are originally raised against one allergen and then bind to a similar protein in another allergen |
Co-recognition | A subset of cross-sensitization/cross-reactivity reactions in which the initial sensitizer is not known. |
Polyallergy | Clinically confirmed allergy (i.e. specific sensitization in SPTs or ssIgE assays and a causal relationship between symptoms and exposure to a specific allergen) to two or more allergens |