[Incidence of sensitization to profilin in a population allergic to pollen: responsibility of profilin in pollen polysensitizations in patients with a normal level of total IgE].

Abstract

Unlabelled: The study had the aim of establishing the incidence of sensitization to profilin (a panallergen found in pollens and foods of vegetal origin) in pollen-allergic patients. We evaluated the consequences of such sensitizations on the results of specific IgE, the positivity of skin tests and clinical signs.

Methods: 94 consenting patients, allergic to pollens (trees and/or grasses and/or weeds) replied to a questionnaire and had skin tests to purified profilin and measurement of serum anti-profilin IgE.

Results: Two groups were defined: one group was sensitized to profilin (GSP), with positive skin test and anti profilin IgE of 31 patients, and a group non-sensitive to profilin (GNSP) (negative skin test and anti-profilin IgE) of 41 patients. Discordant results were found in 22 patients. Taking in account the two groups, sensitization to profilin was 43%. The two groups were homogenous for age, sex, ethnics and clinical signs. Food allergy was more frequent but not statistically different (p = 0.09) in the group GSP (51.6%) than the GNSP (31.7%), in particular allergy to fruits of the Rosaceae family. Pollen polysensitization (to three species, trees, weeds and grasses) was more frequent in the GSP group (64.5%) than the GNSP (12.5). Polysensitization to pollens and foods was also more frequent in the sensitized group (65.5%) than in the non-sensitized group (12.5%). In a sub-group with normal levels of total IgE pollen polysensitization was more frequent in patients who were sensitive to profilin. On biological investigation, sensitization to profilin influenced the result of anti-latex IgE and also the IgE to many vegetal allergens. These results show the value of seeking a sensitization to profilin in patients with pollinoses.