Significance of molecular diagnostics in allergen immunotherapy : Practical tips for the application in various groups of allergens with exemplary cases

Abstract

The basis of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the diagnosis of the eliciting allergen sources, which is achallenge, especially in the case of multiple sensitizations. Molecular allergy diagnostics can be of special help, since detection of "marker allergens", usually important major allergens, allows to distinguish between primary sensitization and cross-reactions. Thus, the indication and extract selection for AIT can be facilitated. While molecular diagnosis is particularly useful for double-sensitized hymenoptera venom and polysensitized pollen allergic patients, the benefit is probably lower in case of house dust mite allergy.