Cross‐sectional study on allergic sensitization of Austrian adolescents using molecule‐based IgE profiling. Issue 5 (22nd December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stemeseder, T.; Klinglmayr, E.; Moser, S.; Lueftenegger, L.; Lang, R.; Himly, M.; Oostingh, G. J.; Zumbach, J.; Bathke, A. C.; Hawranek, T.; Gadermaier, G.
• Is Part Of: Allergy. Volume 72:Issue 5(2017:May)
• Page Start: 754
• Page End: 763
• Publication Date: 2016-12-22
• Subjects: allergen microarray -- epidemiology -- IgE -- sensitization -- molecule‐based diagnosis; Allergy -- Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1111/all.13071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-4538

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Allergen‐specific IgE antibodies are a hallmark of type I allergy. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to analyze the sensitization profiles of an Austrian adolescent population utilizing molecule‐based IgE diagnosis. Methods: Serum samples of 501 nonselected pupils from Salzburg, Austria, were tested in ImmunoCAP ISAC ® for IgE reactivity to 112 single allergens. Sensitization profiles were assessed and statistically coordinated with reported allergies. Results: In the population aged 12–21 years, 53.5% showed IgE reactivity to at least one allergen tested. The highest prevalence was found for Phl p 1 from grass pollen (26.5%), group 2 mite allergens (18.2%), Bet v 1 from birch pollen (16.3%) and Fel d 1 from cat (14.4%). The majority of participants showed a complex sensitization profile and reacted on average to 9 allergens. Pollen sensitization was highly prevalent (41.7%) and mainly driven by group I grass and PR‐10 allergens of the Betulaceae family, while Pla l 1 represented the most relevant weed. Diagnosed and self‐reported allergies were noted in 21.9% and 45.5% of participants, respectively, and correlated well with in vitro results. Among atopic individuals, 71.4% reported to suffer from at least one allergy; concordance was found for grass and cat sensitization, while venom‐ and weed pollen‐positive individuals were frequently asymptomatic. Conclusions: More than half of the tested adolescent population had already established an atopic status presenting a complex IgE reactivity profile dominated by pollen sensitization. Detailed molecule‐based analysis allows determining relevant biomarkers and monitoring of the atopic status in populations.