Scientific publications
Performance of different in vitro techniques in the molecular diagnosis of peanut allergy. Scientific Publication
Javaloyes G, Goikoetxea MJ, García Núñez I, Sanz ML, Blanca M, Scheurer S, Vieths S, Ferrer M.
INTRODUCTION
Peanut allergy is an increasingly serious disorder with a heterogeneous pattern of sensitization across different countries. In vitro diagnostic techniques may help in establishing these patterns.
OBJECTIVES
To analyze the usefulness of determining specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) with the ImmunoCAP fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), the ImmunoCAP ISAC CRD103 microarray (ISAC), and the basophil activation test (BAT) in the molecular diagnosis of peanut allergy.
METHODS
In 26 peanut-allergic patients, sIgE antibodies against allergic components were measured with FEIA, ISAC, and BAT.
RESULTS
The major peanut component in our population wasAra h 9.The detection of sIgE toAra h 9 using FEIA and BAT with this allergen yielded a sensitivity of 92% and 88% and a specificity of 95% and 100%, respectively. Overall diagnosis of peanut allergy by ISAC showed a sensitivity of 11% but a specificity of 95% since Ara h 9 was not present in the microarray version used. There was diagnostic agreement between the 3 techniques for the peanut allergens studied.
CONCLUSIONS
The determination of sIgE to Ara h 9 using FEIA and BAT offers high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of peanut allergy in the Spanish population. The CRD103 version of ISAC is not of value in our region as it does not include the most common allergen, Ara h 9.
CITATION J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2012;22(7):508-13