A study of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in atopic patients attending tertiary care centre, Cochin

Dr.Jampala Srinivas; Miss Thampa

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

A study of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in atopic patients attending tertiary care centre, Cochin

Dr. Jampala Srinivas, Miss Thampa

Abstract :

Background: Atopic allergic diseases are chronic, relapsing and often associated with the hyperproduction of IgE antibodies to various allergens.

Identification of these allergens is possible by various laboratory investigations.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of IgE antibodies specific for food and inhalation allergens in atopic allergic condition.

Methods: This prospective study comprised 140 patients of which 67.85% individuals were positive for specific IgE antibodies and these were

selected for analysis. The diagnosis was made by an in vitro assay Enzyme Allergo Sorbent Test.

Results: On analysis 52.63% patients were positive for food allergens, 20% for aero allergens and 27.36% positive for both food and aero allergens.

In food allergy, main allergens are egg yolk, milk powder and coffee. Among aero allergens, there was increased prevalence of dog; pigeon feather

and jute.

Discussion: The patients chosen for this study (n=95) had the following atopic diseases: urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. In

the food allergens test 96% of patients showed allergy to egg yolk, milk powder and coffee. In the aero allergen test 94.7% of patients showed

allergy to false ragweed, dog, pigeon feather and jute. The P – value is significant for both eosinophil count and total IgE (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The present study suggests that it is important to study the serum IgE levels in all the allergic patients as it directly correlates with the

proportion of IgE concentration in circulation. Identification of food allergens is important in the diagnosis of atopic diseases in children in India.

Allergen profile with regard to inhalants in Indian patients was similar to that of other studies.