Interference of cross-reactive carbohydrates (CCDs) in the determination of specific IgE in allergy testing

Abstract

Background: Carbohydrate Cross-Reactive Determinants (CCDs) are protein-bound carbohydrate structures that are responsible for part of the phenomenon of cross-reactivity. They play a major role in allergy diagnosis. They are responsible for cross-reactions between completely different allergen sources.Aim: To compare the specific IgE test results in our patients with and without anti-CCD absorbents.Method: The retrospective study included 74 patients with suspected allergic rhinitis and other atopic diseases – (74% (n55) were children, 74% (n55) were men) in whom specific IgE was tested sero-logically in vitro based on reactivity to the CCD marker and repetition of specific IgE with the CCD absorbent.Results: The most common inhaled allergens were house dust mites,grasses and spring trees. Statistically significant (p > 0.05) decrease in inhaled allergen spec. IgE results after inhibition with CCD absorbent (diagram 1). Most food allergens decreased or completely disappeared after inhibition with CCD absorbent (diagram 2). Seafood,lamb, egg white, soybean and pet allergens specific IgE results in-creased after inhibition with CCD absorbent (diagram 3). Significant research results when comparing age groups and genders: boys up to 18 years were statistically significantly more frequently sensitized toplantain (lot. Plantago major) than girls t = 2.33, df = 32, p = 0.026, and adult males were statistically significantly more frequently sensitized to D. farinae (house dust mites) than females t = 3.14, df = 5, p = 0.025.Conclusion: The CCD absorbent is very important when testing specific IgE to allergens: 1) Without cross- reactive allergens and similar to CCD absorbents, proteins that indicate more specific allergies. 2)Food (f.e. crabs) and pet allergens show an inverse result with the CCD absorbent – this can be explained by the fact that the concentration of bingind proteins decreases after inhibition. The CCD absorbent increases the diagnostic specificity.DIAGRAM 1 The most common inhalatnt allergens (specific IgE)before and after inhibition with CCD absorbent.