Diagnostic usefulness of trait specific IgE and multiple immunoglobulin production in allergic diseases

Purpose: This article is to evaluate the proportion of mono-sensitization and poly-sensitization based on sIgE composition and to develop a novel diagnostic tool and study the production of different immunoglobulins (Ig) in allergic diseases. Methods: The serum sIgE composition of 2409 patients diagnosed with allergic disease was analyzed using the sIgE immunoblot method. A specific formula was developed to calculate the theoretical proportion of mono-sensitization (TPM) in different gender, age, season, disease and pathway groups. A second formula also established a theoretical value for the proportion of compound sensitization (TPC) in the different pathways. IgG antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV), Treponema pallidum (TP), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasma), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rubella virus (RV) were detected. Results: The observed proportions of mono-sensitization (OPM) were all lower than the predicted TPM. Poly-sensitization was predominant in allergic diseases. There were statistical differences in OPM and TPM in different groups (P<0.001). The observed proportion of compound sensitization (OPC) was higher than TPC. IgM antibodies to CMV and IgG antibodies to TP were significantly different in allergic diseases. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis of trait sIgE indicated an area-under-the-curve of 0.749. Conclusions: The co-sensitization instead of crossreactivity was the major mechanism of poly-sensitization. Except for sIgE abnormality, changes in anti-CMV IgM and anti-TP IgG suggested an abnormal state of plasma cells. Trait sIgE may be used as a good indicator for diagnosis in allergic diseases.