Characterization of Peanut Allergic Patients in an Area with a High Ltp Prevalence

Abstract

We studied the pattern of sensitization to relevant allergens of peanut (Ara h2 and Ara h9) and peach (Pru p3) in a peanut allergic patients in an area with strong prevalence of LTP sensitization. Subjects with a clear history of reaction after peanut ingestion and peanut-specific IgE were included (N=170). Specific IgE (sIgE) to peanut and peach , allergens Ara h2, 9 and Pru p3 were measured by ImmunoCAP. The subjects were grouped in intervals of 15 years: Group A) 15-30 y.o. (N=64); Group B) 31-45 y.o. (N=80) and Group C) more than 45 y.o. (N=26). The clinical symptoms reported were: anaphylaxis in 60% of the cases, urticaria/angioedema in 35% and OAS in 6%. Skin prick test (SPT) and sIgE to peanut were positive in 48% and 61% of the subjects, respectively. We observed that in Group A this percentage was higher than in other groups, being 60% and 72% for SPT and sIgE to peanut, respectively. sIgE to Ara h9 and Pru p3 were both positive in 80% in Group A, 56% and 63% in Group B; and 17% and 21% respectively in Group C. No recognition was detected to Ara h 2. A 65% of the patients were also allergic to peach. We detected that in these patients the percentage of positive cases to Pru p3 was slightly higher than Ara h9, but not significant. Peanut allergy in Mediterranean adult population is due to the LTP, Ara h9. A significant decrease of positive skin test and sIgE along age was detected.