Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ALEX2 multiplex examination in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and reaction to tomatoes

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical reactions to tomatoes in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, and to analyse the results of specific IgE to allergens of tomatoes and to molecular components of pollen, seeds, fruits, vegetables and latex with the use of ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer test. According to our results, 15% of AD patients suffer from clinical reactions to tomatoes; we confirmed the low sensitivity and low positive predictive value of specific IgE to molecular component Sola l 6 and allergen extract Sola l, the specificity of this test is higher. The significantly higher sensitisation to other nonspecific lipid transfer proteins is observed in patients sensitised to tomato allergens. An elimination diet and an exposure test are recommended to detect a reaction to tomatoes. ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer test gives us a comprehensive picture of sensitisation and the possibility of evaluation of cross-reacting allergens.