Analysis of Sensitization Profiles in Central European Allergy Patients Focused on Animal Allergen Molecules.

INTRODUCTION

Frequently observed multiple sensitizations to several animals highlights the importance of a molecular diagnosis, distinguishing between sensitizations specific to single species and sensitizations due to cross-reactivity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of a molecular diagnosis in the description of sensitization profiles in allergy patients living in Central Europe, with a particular focus on animal-derived molecules.

METHODS

The molecular diagnosis was performed using the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray. Results of 1,255 allergy patients were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The highest sensitization rates were observed for uteroglobin Fel d 1 (31.8%) and kallikrein Can f 5 (16.4%), followed by animal lipocalins Can f 1 (13.9%), Equ c 1 (6.2%), Fel d 4 (5.3%), Can f 2 (4.2%), and Mus m 1 (4.1%). Sensitization rates to serum albumins Fel d 2, Can f 3, Equ c 3, and Bos d 6 were very low, with the highest being 3.2% to Fel d 2. Detailed subanalysis confirmed the dominant role of Fel d 1 or Can f 5 and/or Can f 1 in cat- or dog-sensitized patients, respectively. Further analysis focused on lipocalins and albumins confirmed a high rate of cosensitizations within both groups.

CONCLUSION

The sensitization to animal allergen molecules is very frequent in Central Europe. The most common is sensitization to species-specific cat uteroglobin Fel d 1 and dog kallikrein Can f 5, followed by sensitizations to animal lipocalins. Our data suggest that commonly observed multiple sensitizations detected by extract approach can be explained not only by true cosensitization, but also by cross-reactivity, mainly in the frame of lipocalins. Cross-reactive serum albumins are minor sensitizers and are probably not important from this point of view.