Cow's milk protein allergy--results of skin-prick test with purified milk proteins.

The diagnosis of milk-protein allergies is difficult. Therefore, the main cow's milk proteins (alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin A + B, alpha s-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein), purified to the highest available standards, were used for differential diagnosis of allergic individuals by applying skin-prick test. In the case of adults with uncertain medical history, milk proteins rarely caused skin reactions, while distinct skin reactions were observed in 11 of 13 children with strongly suspected milk-protein allergy. In the presented study alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin B were the main allergens, because skin reactions to these proteins were provoked with highest prevalence and intensity. Intensity and prevalence of reactions to alpha- and kappa-casein were significantly less. In two cases skin reactions to alpha-lactalbumin were observed exclusively.