Component-based test for precise diagnosis of peanut allergy
The multiparameter component-based test EUROLINE DPADx Peanut allows differentiation of primary peanut allergy from pollen-associated cross reactions, enabling assessment of the patient’s risk for severe reactions. In the test, specific IgE antibodies against seven defined components from peanut and the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 are analysed in parallel using immunoblot technology. Patients who show IgE antibodies to the peanut seed storage proteins Ara h 1, h 2, h 3, h 6 and h 7 or the lipid transfer protein h 9 are likely to have a primary sensitization to peanut and a higher risk of a severe reaction. The severity of the allergy is, moreover, greater when multiple high-risk components are involved. Reactions with the PR 10 protein Bet v 1 (homologue of Ara h 8 from peanut) or the profilin Ara h 5 indicate a pollen-associated cross reaction and are associated with milder symptoms and a lower risk of a severe reaction. The EUROLINE DPA-Dx provides an extremely wide ranging screening in one assay. In suspected cases of peanut allergy, the test identifies reactions arising from a pollen-associated food allergy, which present a lower risk for the patient. The assay requires only a small amount of serum (100 to 400 μl), making it ideal for pediatrics. Automated processing and evaluation are available. Peanut allergy can be one of the most severe forms of allergy, with patients at a high risk of life-threatening systemic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. Even small amounts of peanut can trigger a severe reaction. Classic diagnostics based on allergen extracts cannot, however, differentiate between a primary sensitization against peanut and a pollen-associated food allergy due to a cross reaction. Only component-based diagnostics can deliver this decisive information. Establishing a precise diagnosis facilitates decisionmaking on treatment and disease management. Patients with a sensitization to high-risk components should strictly avoid the allergen source and always carry an emergency set. Patients with only a birch pollen-associated food allergy do not normally have to follow a strict peanut-free diet. If the patient also suffers from birch allergy related symptoms, specific immunotherapy for the birch pollen allergy can be undertaken, which is likely to additionally relieve the peanut-induced symptoms.
Supplier: EUROIMMUN AG
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