American Society of Hirudotherapy

BSACI 2021 guideline for the management of egg allergy

Research article published in Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2021)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Practice guidelineClinical TrialsSafety & Infection ControlLeech SC et al. · Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2021

Abstract

This guideline advises on the management of patients with egg allergy. Most commonly egg allergy presents in infancy, with a prevalence of approximately 2% in children and 0.1% in adults. A clear clinical history will confirm the diagnosis in most cases. Investigation by measuring egg-specific IgE (by skin prick testing or specific IgE assay) is useful in moderate-severe cases or where there is diagnostic uncertainty. Following an acute allergic reaction, egg avoidance advice should be provided. Egg allergy usually resolves, and reintroduction can be achieved at home if reactions have been mild and there is no asthma. Patients with a history of severe reactions or asthma should have reintroduction guided by a specialist. All children with egg allergy should receive the MMR vaccine. Most adults and children with egg allergy can receive the influenza vaccine in primary care, unless they have had anaphylaxis to egg requiring intensive care support. Yellow Fever vaccines should only be considered in egg-allergic patients under the guidance of an allergy specialist. This guideline was prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and is intended for allergists and others with a special interest in allergy. The recommendations are evidence based. Where evidence was lacking, consensus was reached by the panel of specialists on the committee. The document encompasses epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and co-morbid associations.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticlePractice Guideline
Indexed MeSH termsAdultAnaphylaxisChildEgg HypersensitivityHumansPrevalenceSkin TestsVaccines

Summary

This guideline advises on the management of patients with egg allergy.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This practice guideline advises on the management of egg allergy, covering diagnosis by clinical history and egg-specific IgE testing, egg avoidance, reintroduction strategies, and vaccination recommendations including MMR, influenza, and Yellow Fever. It was prepared by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology Standards of Care Committee for allergists and others with a special interest. The abstract addresses a food hypersensitivity condition and does not mention hirudotherapy, leech therapy, hirudin, the leech secretome, or related anticoagulant topics. Therefore, based on the abstract alone, there is no defensible relevance to ASH's hirudotherapy/leech-secretome domain.

Citation

BSACI 2021 guideline for the management of egg allergy

Leech SC et al. · Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2021

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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