Allergies, Poisoning and Intolerance to Common Substances : Basic and Clinical Aspects

The purpose of this book is to provide guidance on issues that can be confused in clinical practice such as allergies, intolerance, and poisoning to common substances like alcohol, certain foods (meats, shellfish, and vegetables), medications, metals, and vitamins, among others.

Our experience in the study of allergic diseases and toxicology at the clinical and basic level has shown that there is some confusion and difficulty to understand the underlying mechanisms in the development of allergic responses and intolerance, for example, to shellfish. This often delays or may mislead the diagnosis and management of both clinical entities.

For this reason, this book offers a structure that allows, first, to understand the bases of the allergic response to different substances of consumption or frequent exposure. Second, to compare the mechanisms explaining the intolerance towards these substances. For example, in the chapter discussing allergy and intolerance to dairy products, we present an immune mechanism mediated by IgE in the case of allergy, while intolerance indicates a metabolic mechanism of enzyme deficiency. However, in both cases there are usually errors or misinterpretation in their knowledge. Lastly, regarding toxicology, the bases of poisoning by these substances will be described when applicable. This is the case of alcohol, for example.

The work will be a useful tool for the training of medical personnel in these areas and for students and researchers interested in the investigation of these phenomena.

Marlon Múnera

Marlon Múnera, Biol, MSc, PhD, is a Professor of the Faculty of Health at Corporación Universitaria Rafael Nuñez in Cartagena and University of Cartagena, Colombia. He is also co-director of team research GINMUED, focused on the study of allergic and autoimmune responses. Prof. Múnera was trained in murine models by ICGEB (The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Italy). He completed his immunological training and PhD at the University of Cartagena. Prof. Múnera is a guest of the editorial board for the Journal of International Medical Research and has published in international peer-reviewed journals and several book chapters related to biomedical sciences. Moreover, Professor Múnera has carried out extensive investigations into the evaluation of antigens as candidates for immunotherapy in allergic diseases. Leveraging bioinformatics approaches, he has also made notable contributions to advancing the understanding of the complex interplay between infections and the onset of autoimmune disorders.

Oscar Correa Jimenez

Oscar Correa-Jimenez is a clinical immunologist with extensive experience in managing adult and pediatric allergic and immunological diseases. He holds an MSc in Immunology and has specialized in the treatment of complex immune disorders. Dr. Correa-Jimenez has strong expertise in clinical and translational research, particularly in immunology, molecular biology, and microbiology. Recognized as a national Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, he actively contributes to international congresses and research collaborations, especially in the field of orphan diseases. He has served in leading roles at the Unidad de Inmunología y Alergia del Mediterráneo-UDIAM IPS and the Fundación Neumológica Colombiana in Bogotá. In addition, he acts as a clinical research and bioethics consultant at Universidad El Bosque and gained pharmaceutical industry experience as a Medical Scientific Liaison at Takeda. Dr. Correa-Jimenez has also been dedicated to academic teaching, mentoring residents in Pediatrics and Pulmonology and serving as adjunct professor at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. His research work focuses on autoinflammatory and autoimmune lymphoproliferative disorders, with recent publications in the Journal of Clinical Immunology and Cureus. Through his clinical, academic, and research leadership, Dr. Correa-Jimenez continues to contribute to the advancement of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Juana Bustillo Arias

Juana Bustillo Arias, MD, MSc, is a Colombian physician and academic with advanced degrees in immunology and data science, plus AI training from Harvard. She has led impactful research in immune responses, published extensively, and presented at international conferences. Her academic excellence has earned her recognition in top institutions in Colombia and abroad. More on Scopus, and Google Scholar.