Aim of study: We sought to introduce component-based microarray Allergen Chips (ImmunoCAP ISAC®) and evaluate the utility of microarray-based IgE detection in the diagnostic workup of allergic rhinitis. We compared this new diagnostic tool with established methods of allergen-specific IgE detection.
Methods: 86 Allergic rhinitis patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by history taking, physical examination, and skin prick test were included. The number of Males versus females was 58 vs 28. Mean age was 26.6 years old. We included data that was the result of a skin prick test, ImmunoCAP specific IgE and ImmunoCAP ISAC® (D.P., D.F., tree, fungus, weed). We compared sensitivities and analyzed correlations of ImmunoCAP and ISAC®.
Results: Sensitivity of ImmunoCAP and ISAC® assays were 80% and 78.9% and there was a significant correlation. The more severe the symptom, the stronger the positive degree. When we analyzed components of D.P. ISAC® nDer p1 and nDer p2, which are specific components of D.P., they showed a high positive rate. In the case of D.F. nDer f1 and nDer f2, which are specific components of D.F., they showed a high positive rate. There was a positive correlation between a positive numerical value for the ISAC® specific component and for the ImmunoCAP D.P, D.F.
Conclusions: ISAC® is a reliable method for diagnosing allergic rhinitis. Further studies of the utility of ISAC® in SIT patients are needed.