Peanut-specific IgE antibodies in asymptomatic Ghanaian children possibly caused by carbohydrate determinant cross-reactivity

Background: The prevalence of peanut allergy has increased in developed countries, but little is known about developing countries with high peanut consumption and widespread parasitic infections.Objective: We sought to investigate peanut allergy in Ghana.Methods: In a cross-sectional survey among Ghanaian schoolchildren (n = 1604), data were collected on reported adverse reactions to peanut, peanut sensitization (serum specific IgE and skin reactivity), consumption patterns, and parasitic infections. In a subset (n = 43) IgE against Ara h 1, 2, 3, and 9 as well as cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) was measured by using ImmunoCAP. Cross-reactivity and biological activity were investigated by means of ImmunoCAP inhibition and basophil histamine release, respectively.Results: Adverse reactions to peanut were reported in 1.5%, skin prick test reactivity in 2.0%, and IgE sensitization (≥0.35 kU/L) in 17.5% of participants. Moreover, 92.4% of those IgE sensitized to peanut (≥0.35 kU/L) had negative peanut skin prick test responses. Schistosoma haematobium infection was positively associated with IgE sensitization (adjusted odds ratio, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.37-3.86). In the subset IgE titers to Ara h 1, 2, 3, and 9 were low (
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Food, drug, insect sting allergy, and anaphylaxis Source Type: research