[Food allergy in patients with chronic urticaria].

Basic food allergens (bread, milk and egg) were investigated in patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria. In 29 of 43 patients, sensitivity could be shown against one or more antigens. The results suggest not only the anaphylactic IgE-mediated reaction in same patients, but also an antibody or cell-mediated mechanisms in the development of the disease. Besides the Prick test, therefore, testing of other circulating antibodies by means of the ELISA technique and the leukocyte migration test is recommended to establish the causative agents in patients with chronic urticaria.