Editorial

Gene defects and allergy

BMJ 2009; 339 doi: 10.1136/bmj.b1203 (Published 9 July 2009)
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;339:b1203

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  1. Hugo Van Bever, professor and head of paediatric allergy, immunology, and rheumatology division1,
  2. Birgit Lane, executive director and principal investigator2,
  3. John Common, senior research fellow2
  1. 1National University Singapore, Department of Paediatrics, 119074 Singapore
  2. 2Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science and Technology and Research, 138648 Singapore
  1. paevbhps{at}nus.edu.sg

    Identifying specific genotypes of allergy is a major breakthrough in patient care

    Allergic diseases—such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema—have been increasing worldwide over several decades, and the increase has largely been attributed to a Western lifestyle (the hygiene hypothesis). However, the exact causes of the increase are unknown. Several trigger mechanisms are probably involved, but it is still not clear whether similar triggers are responsible for the increases seen in different allergic diseases.1 In the linked systematic review (doi: 10.1136/bmj.b2433), van den Oord and Sheikh assess the association between defects of the filaggrin gene (FLG) and the risk of developing allergic sensitisation and allergic disorders.2

    Allergies form a heterogeneous group of diseases in which IgE mediated reactions are the key feature, and a wide variety of symptoms can occur. Diagnosis is largely based on the history, symptoms, and detection of IgE …

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