Analysis of Sensitization Profiles in Central European Allergy Patients Focused on Animal Allergen Molecules

Abstract

Introduction: Frequently observed multiple sensitizations to several animals highlights the importance of a molecular diagnosis, distinguishing between sensitizations specific to single species and sensitizations due to cross-reactivity. Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of a molecular diagnosis in the description of sensitization profiles in allergy patients living in Central Europe, with a particular focus on animal-derived molecules. Methods: The molecular diagnosis was performed using the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray. Results of 1,255 allergy patients were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The highest sensitization rates were observed for uteroglobin Fel d 1 (31.8%) and kallikrein Can f 5 (16.4%), followed by animal lipocalins Can f 1 (13.9%), Equ c 1 (6.2%), Fel d 4 (5.3%), Can f 2 (4.2%), and Mus m 1 (4.1%). Sensitization rates to serum albumins Fel d 2, Can f 3, Equ c 3, and Bos d 6 were very low, with the highest being 3.2% to Fel d 2. Detailed subanalysis confirmed the dominant role of Fel d 1 or Can f 5 and/or Can f 1 in cat- or dog-sensitized patients, respectively. Further analysis focused on lipocalins and albumins confirmed a high rate of cosensitizations within both groups. Conclusion: The sensitization to animal allergen molecules is very frequent in Central Europe. The most common is sensitization to species-specific cat uteroglobin Fel d 1 and dog kallikrein Can f 5, followed by sensitizations to animal lipocalins. Our data suggest that commonly observed multiple sensitizations detected by extract approach can be explained not only by true cosensitization, but also by cross-reactivity, mainly in the frame of lipocalins. Cross-reactive serum albumins are minor sensitizers and are probably not important from this point of view.