Latex sensitization in patients with myelomeningocele: contribution of microarray technique

Background. Microarray technique employing molecular allergens is pointed out as a new method to evaluate allergic patients. Objective. To evaluate if microarray technique (ImmunoCAP-ISAC®; I-ISAC®) is similar to fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA; ImmunoCAP®) in the diagnosis of latex allergy (specific IgE to latex plus symptoms) and latex sensitization (only antibody) in pediatric (9-mo to 14-yrs) patients with myelomeningocele undergone to surgical repair. Methods. Patients underwent skin prick testing (SPT) to latex and food (prick to prick), and dosage of serum specific IgE to latex and recombinant latex allergens (rHev b 1, rHev b 3, rHev b 5, rHev b 6.01, rHev b 6.02, rHev b 8, rHev b 9, and rHev b 11) by ImmunoCAP® and I-ISAC®. Results. The comparison between the two methods showed high level of concordance considering positive and negative results. A statistically significant correlation for rHev b 3 and rHev b 6.01 for the allergic patients, and for rHev b5 and rHev b6.01 for those sensitized to latex, was observed. I-ISAC® is limited to 5 recombinant latex allergens (rHev b 1, 3, 5, 6.01 and 8). Despite the presence of antibodies against pollens, LTP and profilins (I-ISAC®) in some patients, none of them reported symptoms related with intake of fruits and/or vegetables. Conclusion. Both methods are effective in assisting the diagnosis of latex allergy, but differ in the assessment of sensitized pediatric patients with myelomeningocele. The assessment of latex sensitized patients is more complete using the 8 recombinant latex fractions available for ImmunoCAP®, instead of I-ISAC®.