Reverse enzyme immunoassay for the determination of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus IgE antibodies

Sera from patients with suspected mite sensitivity were assayed using both the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and a reverse enzyme immunoassay for IgE antibodies (REIA). Of the 133 sera studied, the RAST gave positive results in 48 cases and the REIA in 59. Negative results for both assays were obtained in 72 of the sera. The immunoenzymatic assay described here, using micro-plates as solid phase, has proven to be IgE- and antigen-specific. The allergen conjugate has a prolonged shelf life and the method is easy to perform. The sensitivity of the REIA for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus IgE antibodies is limited by the small amount of IgE bound by the well surface (less than 100 ng). However, we think that the method offers a reliable alternative for the diagnosis of D. pteronyssinus-allergic patients.