Patterns of sensitization to peanut allergen components in Taiwanese Preschool children

Peanut allergy is very common in Western countries, although it is seldom encountered in Eastern countries. Peanuts are comprised of at least 11 components, but the contribution to clinical symptoms by each component in each individual is not known. This study investigated the distributions of sensitivity to peanut allergen components among Taiwanese children who were sensitized to peanuts and followed the evolution of sensitization patterns to these components.

We enrolled 29 preschool children (age=2.11±1.36 years) who were sensitized to peanuts above class 3. Serum was analyzed for specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to recombinant Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 8, and Ara h 9. Allergen component-specific IgE ≥0.35 kU(A)/L was defined as positive. Eighteen children were retested 22.64±5.1 months later. Peanut allergy symptoms were recorded from detailed questionnaires.

The percentages of children sensitized to Ara h 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 were, respectively, 51.8%, 65.5%, 62.1%, 13.8%, and 24.1%. Regarding changing patterns of peanut component sensitization at follow-up, children with clinical symptoms to peanuts had persistent elevations of Ara h 2-specific IgE: 12.6±1.01 up to 34.15±19.4 kU(A)/L; p=0.144. In contrast, Ara h 2 concentrations decreased significantly in children without clinical symptoms. Ara h 8 and 9 were nonspecific for children with or without symptoms.

Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 were major components contributing to peanut sensitization in Taiwanese children. Ara h 2 was probably the most important component that contributed to clinical symptoms and remained steady in children who had peanut allergy.