For the measurement of specific IgE in Type I Allergy Diagnostics allergen extracts that contain relevant major and minor allergens as well as non-allergenic components are used. These extracts are suitable for a first screening of patients and are now complemented by recombinant or highly purified native allergens. Molecular allergy diagnostics allows to detect the allergen sensitization of a patient on a molecular level. Therefor native, highly purified and recombinant allergens are used instead of whole allergen extracts. The quantitative measurement of specific IgE (sIgE) against allergen component-specific IgE describes the fraction of total IgE in serum which binds specifically to the correspondent allergen component. sIgE shows a sensitization to the correspondent allergen component. Whether this sensitization is clinically relevant has to be decided by the doctor on the basis of the anamnesis of the patient. Molecular allergy in-vitro diagnostic can help him making his decision. (Download: Flyer Molecular Allergy Diagnostics)

What are allergen molecules, allergen components?

Allergen components are allergy-causing parts in allergen extracts. Independent of the allergen source, allergen components are summarized in protein families, based on structural and biochemical similarities. Each allergen source can contain specific and cross-reactive allergen components.

The sensitization to specific components can indicate a primary sensitization and has a greater meaning because species-specific IgE is detected. The membership of allergens to a certain protein family and their characteristics has consequences for the development of allergic symptoms. The structures have common IgE binding epitopes, which are the basis for cross-reactivity.

Why should allergen components be tested? With which consequences for the patients?

1 .To identify primary sensitization and to give therapy recommendations

The results of testing complete allergen extracts of poly-sensitized patients can lead to further questions and other tests. Through the detection of trigger factoring allergens a primary sensitization can be identified and a selection of suitable patients for specific immunotherapy can be made. This is important for an optimal and cost efficient patient management. (e.g. Birch, Bet v1, Bet v2)

2 . To discriminate between sensitizations

With allergen components it can be discriminated between a true sensitization compared to a cross-sensitization in case of poly-sensitized patients.  Through this the knowledge about trigger factoring allergens and which allergen sources have to be respected can be improved. (e.g. cross-reactions within allergen families)

3 . To identify risk markers Um Risikomarker zu identifizieren ….. ……….. ……………. ……….. ……….. ….. ……….. ……….. ….. ……….. ……….. ….. ……….. ……….. ….. ……….. ………..

In selected cases a differentiation of risks for severe reactions to risks for light local reactions by food allergies is possible. (e.g. peanut, Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6, 9)