What does this research mean for the field?

Oral food challenges (OFCs) can safely allow for the reintroduction of foods in South Tunisian children with IgE mediated food allergies, with a high success rate and minimal adverse reactions. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the epidemiology and outcomes of oral food challenges (OFCs) for IgE mediated food allergies in children.

March 10, 2026Open Access

Epidemiology and molecular study of IgE mediated food allergy in South Tunisian children

Key Points

To investigate the epidemiology and outcomes of oral food challenges (OFCs) for IgE mediated food allergies in children.
Conducted oral food challenges (OFCs) for various allergens.
Tracked symptoms after food ingestion and collected patient follow-up data.
Analyzed the results to gauge safety for food reintroduction.
Observed positive OFC results in egg, peanut, cow's milk, and apple, with mild cutaneous symptoms.
66% of negative OFCs allowed safe food reintroduction without adverse events.
No systemic reactions or anaphylaxis were reported among participants.

Abstract

cumulative number of doses varies between 1 and 15 doses.Post OFC observation time ranged from 1 to 2 hours.The most frequently tested allergens were peanut/tree nuts (37%), seafood (33%), egg (11%), fruits (11%), and cow's milk (4%).The OFC indications were to exclude/confirm diagnosis 36%, to confirm resolution of allergy (18%), and to assess possible crossreactivity (3%).Positive OFC results occurred in 4 challenges for egg, peanut, cow's milk and apple, all of which presented with cutaneous symptoms (urticaria, lip swelling, and itching).No systemic reactions or anaphylaxis occurred.Among the 41 negative OFCs, 66% successfully reintroduced the food without adverse events, 2% experienced dyspnea and facial swelling upon later ingestion, and 29% had no follow-up data available. CONCLUSIONIn this study, we intended to share our experience in conducting OFC for adults.Most patients passed the OFCs, allowing for the safe reintroduction of foods and reducing unnecessary food avoidance.Variations in OFCs in clinical practice might be necessary to mitigate the risk of severe reactions.

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