Microarray‐based IgE detection in tears of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
A Leonardi, F Borghesan, D Faggian… - Pediatric Allergy and …, 2015 - Wiley Online Library
A Leonardi, F Borghesan, D Faggian, M Plebani
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2015•Wiley Online LibraryBackground 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 …
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 …
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 ImmunoCAP 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. ImmunoCAP 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.
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