Peanut-specific IgE antibodies in asymptomatic Ghanaian children possibly caused by carbohydrate determinant cross-reactivity
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Date
2013-06-12
Authors
Amoah, A.S.
Obeng, B.B.
Larbi, I.A.
Versteeg, S.A.
Aryeetey, Y.
Akkerdaas, J.H.
Zuidmeer, L.
Lidholm, J.
Fernandez-Rivas, M.
Hartgers, F.C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Abstract
The prevalence of peanut allergy has increased in
developed countries, but little is known about developing
countries with high peanut consumption and widespread
parasitic infections.
Objective: We sought to investigate peanut allergy in Ghana.
Methods: In a cross-sectional survey among Ghanaian
schoolchildren (n 5 1604), data were collected on reported
adverse reactions to peanut, peanut sensitization (serum specific
IgE and skin reactivity), consumption patterns, and parasitic
infections. In a subset (n 5 43) IgE against Ara h 1, 2, 3, and 9 as
well as cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) was
measured by using ImmunoCAP. Cross-reactivity and biological
activity were investigated by means of ImmunoCAP inhibition
and basophil histamine release, respectively.
Results: Adverse reactions to peanut were reported in 1.5%,
skin prick test reactivity in 2.0%, and IgE sensitization (>0.35
kU/L) in 17.5% of participants. Moreover, 92.4% of those IgE
sensitized to peanut (>0.35 kU/L) had negative peanut skin prick
test responses. Schistosoma haematobium infection was
positively associated with IgE sensitization (adjusted odds ratio,
2.29; 95% CI, 1.37-3.86). In the subset IgE titers to Ara h 1, 2, 3,
and 9 were low (<1.3 kU/L), except for 6 moderately strong
reactions to Ara h 9. IgE against peanut was strongly correlated
with IgE against CCDs (r 5 0.89, P < .0001) and could be almost
completely inhibited by CCDs, as well as S haematobium soluble egg antigen. Moreover, IgE to peanut showed poor biological
activity.
Conclusions: Parasite-induced IgE against CCDs might account
largely for high IgE levels to peanut in our study population of
Ghanaian schoolchildren. No evidence of IgE-mediated peanut
allergy was found. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013;132:639-47.)
Description
Article
Keywords
Peanut allergy, skin prick testing, IgE, Sub-Saharan Africa, IgE cross-reactivity, cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, helminth infections, basophil histamine release, EuroPrevall