Molecular allergen and cross-allergen component studies among people living in the northheastern Hungarian region

Absztrakt

Background: The availability of multiplex microarray-based diagnostic systems in the field of allergology contributes to the determination of personalized, component- based diagnosis. It enables allergen source and accurate allergen component identification even in patients with ambiguous symptoms and Prick skin test suggesting simultaneous positivity of two or more related allergens. Aim: In our study, we determined the presence and type of sensitization in the adult population of northeastern Hungary using a new type of multiple allergy diagnostic system and identified the molecular components most frequently involved in the background of sensitization and cross sensitization. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study involving 229 adult volunteers. An ELISA- based multiplex molecular diagnostic system was used to determine sensitization. Results: Sensitization to an allergen was confirmed in nearly 70% of the subjects. 22.70% were sensitized to a single allergen, while 46.72% were sensitized to multiple allergens simultaneously. The degree of sensitization and total IgE were moderately correlated. In both groups, significant seasonal inhaled allergens were the molecular components of ragweed, grasses and birch. As perennial allergens, dust and food mite proteins caused frequent sensitization. The most common components responsible for cross-sensitization were proteins from ragweed, Timothy grass, birch and dust mite. Discussion: Multiplex technology and component-based diagnosis can assist the clinician in determining targeted, patient-centred and cost-effective allergy treatment.