BACKGROUND: A positive specific IgE (sIgE) result for latex does not always mirror the clinical situation and is frequently found in individuals without overt latex allergy. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the potential of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) of latex allergy by microarray and to assess whether the technique allows discriminating genuine allergy from asymptomatic sensitization. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy controls without a history of latex allergy with a negative latex sIgE and skin test, 22 latex-allergic patients with a compelling history of latex allergy with a positive latex sIgE and prick test and 20 latex-sensitized individuals with a frequent asymptomatic exposure to natural rubber latex-containing devices with a negative latex skin test but a positive sIgE were also included. CRD was performed with the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray and traditional singleplexed ImmunoCAP. RESULTS: In all patients, the diagnosis of latex allergy could be established by the combination of recombinant latex components present on the microarray (Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02). Over three-quarters of our patients were sensitized for Hev b 5 and/or Hev b 6.02. Some patients also displayed reactivity for Hev b 1 and/or Hev b 3. In contrast, none of the individuals sensitized to natural rubber latex or control individuals demonstrated IgE reactivity for rHev b 1, rHev b 3, rHev b 5 or rHev b 6.02. Three-quarters of the patients sensitized to latex displayed a positive microarray result for recombinant latex profilin (rHev b 8). In contrast to the results obtained by traditional ImmunoCAP for bromelain, almost no sensitization for cross-reactive carbohydrates was demonstrated by bromelain spotted on the microarray. CRD by traditional singleplexed ImmunoCAP showed highly comparable results. CONCLUSION: CRD by microarray is a reliable tool for diagnosing latex allergy. In addition, the technique allows discrimination between genuine allergy and sensitization. CRD by microarray can improve the diagnosis of IgE-mediated latex allergy by discriminating between genuine allergy and sensitization. CRD by microarray is a reliable tool to diagnose latex allergy. In addition, the technique allows discrimination between a genuine allergy and simple sensitization.
BACKGROUND: A positive specific IgE (sIgE) result for latex does not always mirror the clinical situation and is frequently found in individuals without overt latex allergy. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the potential of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) of latex allergy by microarray and to assess whether the technique allows discriminating genuine allergy from asymptomatic sensitization. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy controls without a history of latex allergy with a negative latex sIgE and skin test, 22 latex-allergicpatients with a compelling history of latex allergy with a positive latex sIgE and prick test and 20 latex-sensitized individuals with a frequent asymptomatic exposure to natural rubber latex-containing devices with a negative latex skin test but a positive sIgE were also included. CRD was performed with the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray and traditional singleplexed ImmunoCAP. RESULTS: In all patients, the diagnosis of latex allergy could be established by the combination of recombinant latex components present on the microarray (Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02). Over three-quarters of our patients were sensitized for Hev b 5 and/or Hev b 6.02. Some patients also displayed reactivity for Hev b 1 and/or Hev b 3. In contrast, none of the individuals sensitized to natural rubber latex or control individuals demonstrated IgE reactivity for rHev b 1, rHev b 3, rHev b 5 or rHev b 6.02. Three-quarters of the patients sensitized to latex displayed a positive microarray result for recombinant latex profilin (rHev b 8). In contrast to the results obtained by traditional ImmunoCAP for bromelain, almost no sensitization for cross-reactive carbohydrates was demonstrated by bromelain spotted on the microarray. CRD by traditional singleplexed ImmunoCAP showed highly comparable results. CONCLUSION:CRD by microarray is a reliable tool for diagnosing latex allergy. In addition, the technique allows discrimination between genuine allergy and sensitization. CRD by microarray can improve the diagnosis of IgE-mediated latex allergy by discriminating between genuine allergy and sensitization. CRD by microarray is a reliable tool to diagnose latex allergy. In addition, the technique allows discrimination between a genuine allergy and simple sensitization.