Skin Sensitization and Immunoallergic Profile to Hen's Egg in Cuban Population

Introduction: Food allergy is increasing worldwide. Allergy to hen’s egg can be important, particularly among children, and is relatively common in Cuba, although the exact sensitization prevalence is not well known.

Objective: To perform a preliminary assessment of allergic sensitization and IgE specificity profile to hen’s egg white allergens in Cuban allergic patients.

Methods: The Skin Prick Test was performed to each patient/subject, using a glycerinated allergenic extract, prepared in BIOCEN, Cuba, at 5 mg/mL protein content. Two groups of subjects were studied: a cohort of general adult population (N=303), and patients attending allergy services at 4 hospitals in Havana, comprising 159 adults (above 16 years old) and 157 children (5-16 years). The IgE and IgG₄ binding profile of 20 selected SPT positive patients, was further analyzed by Western Blotting.

Results: In the general adult cohort the prevalence of sensitization was 3.6%. Whereas, among patients suspecting food allergy the positivity rate was much higher: 39.6% for adults and 36.3% for children. The most frequent clinical manifestation among positive patients was Urticaria or Dermatitis (62-67%), although respiratory symptoms were also common (40-49%). IgE binding was shown mostly by the 45KDa band, tentatively identified as Gal d 2, a known major allergen of clinical importance. Also, the 77KDa band (probably Gal d 3) showed binding in 2 patients. The IgG4 binding profile was similar to IgE, although with some additional bands.

Conclusions:  Allergic sensitization to egg can be important in Cuba, with prevalence values similar to other countries. Therefore, it should be taken into account for improving the specific diagnosis of allergy.