Total IgE sensitivity compared with specific IgE results against mites and molds for the screening of type 1 allergy in workers of a police institute in caracas, Venezuela

IgE mediated Allergies (Type I) are chronic diseases that affect more than 20% of the population in some countries. We analyzed 55 blood samples from workers of Universitary Institute of Scientific Police, IUPOLC Caracas, Venezuela, that presented Allergies related symptoms at the moment of the study. We used a specially designed survey to register that information. We tested serum Total IgE by ELISA method and a specific IgE using an immunoblott nitrocellulose panel composed with mites and molds allergens of well know local prevalence,  in order to calculate the diagnostic sensitivity of serum Total IgE as a marker for screening Type I Allergies compared with allergen sensitivities detected on the individuals. We selected the most common reference values for serum Total IgE used in Venezuela. The sensitivity obtained for serum Total IgE was 66,67%,, specificity 100%, Positive Predictive Value 100%, and Negative Predictive Value 61,29% . We discussed the possibility that the sensitivity obtained for Total IgE could be even lower if more number of allergens and skin tests were included on the study. We conclude that the use of Total IgE as screening diagnostic tool for Allergies must be used together with clinical history of the patient and other assays like i.e. Specific IgE.  Local Clinical Laboratories should promote of better interpretation schemes (reference values) for Total IgE that actually helps to a better diagnosis of this disease. (1, 2).

1.Bousquet J., Khaltaev N., Cruz A. A., Denburg J., Fokkens W. J., Togias A., Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 Update, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, GA2LEN and AllerGen, Allergy 2008: 63 (Suppl. 86): 8–160.

2.Comité Nacional de Alergia, Comité Nacional de Neumonología y Comité de Otorrinolaringología de SAP Filial Córdoba, Consenso Nacional de Rinitis Alérgica en Pediatría, Arch Argent Pediatr 2009:107,1,67-81.