The relevance of specific serum IgG, IgG4 and IgE in the determination of shrimp and crab allergies in Malaysian allergic rhinitis patients.

The significance of food specific serum IgG4 antibody in food allergy is unclear and this led us to investigate the relevance of specific IgG4, along with IgG and IgE antibodies to two common food allergens in Malaysia. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum antibodies in 143 allergic rhinitis patients' sera, of which 47 were from patients with clinical indication of shrimp allergy, 46 with clinical indication of crab allergy and 50 without indication to either allergy. Clinical indication of allergy was based on answers to a questionnaire or results of the skin prick test. We found that the elevation of specific IgE or IgG4 is associated with shrimp and crab allergies but elevation of specific IgG is not associated with either allergy. However, the clinical utility of elevated specific IgG and IgG4 levels is pending further investigation.

Specific IgE in the identification of allergens in allergic rhinitis Malaysian patients.

The specific serum IgE levels to 20 allergens were determined by enzyme immunoassay in 90 Malaysian patients with allergic rhinitis. Ninety-two percent of patients had elevated IgE to at least 1 of the allergens. The housedust mites D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae were the major allergens, elevated IgE to either allergen being present in 86% of the patients. Prick skin tests were carried out in some of the patients, housedust mites, cat fur, dog hair and shrimp were the allergens used. Close correspondence was found between IgE and prick skin tests to the mites.