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Microarray‐based IgE detection in tears of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Author(s) -
Leonardi Andrea,
Borghesan Franco,
Faggian Diego,
Plebani Mario
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12450
Subject(s) - vernal keratoconjunctivitis , tears , immunoglobulin e , medicine , sensitization , allergen , immunology , allergy , provocation test , microarray , antibody , pathology , biology , biochemistry , gene expression , gene , alternative medicine
Background A specific allergen sensitization can be demonstrated in approximately half of the vernal keratoconjunctivitis ( VKC ) patients by conventional allergic tests. The measurement of specific IgE in tears using a multiplex allergen microarray may offer advantages to identify local sensitization to a specific allergen. Methods In spring–summer 2011, serum and tears samples were collected from 10 active VKC patients (three females, seven males) and 10 age‐matched normal subjects. Skin prick test, symptoms score and full ophthalmological examination were performed. Specific serum and tear IgE were assayed using Immuno CAP ISAC , a microarray containing 103 components derived from 47 allergens. Results Normal subjects resulted negative for the presence of specific IgE both in serum and in tears. Of the 10 VKC patients, six resulted positive to specific IgE in serum and/or tears. In three of these six patients, specific IgE was found positive only in tears. Cross‐reactivity between specific markers was found in three patients. Grass, tree, mites, animal but also food allergen‐specific IgE were found in tears. Conjunctival provocation test performed out of season confirmed the specific local conjunctival reactivity. Conclusions Multiple specific IgE measurements with single protein allergens using a microarray technique in tear samples are a useful, simple and non‐invasive diagnostic tool. Immuno CAP ISAC detects allergen sensitization at component level and adds important information by defining both cross‐ and co‐sensitization to a large variety of allergen molecules. The presence of specific IgE only in tears of VKC patients reinforces the concept of possible local sensitization.