Can serum white birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen antigen (Bet v 1) immunoglobulin E measurement distinguish between sensitization and allergy?

BACKGROUND

In clinical practice, it is fundamental to distinguish between sensitization and allergy, mainly with respect to polysensitized patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) to white birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen antigen (Bet v 1) assessment might be able to differentiate simple sensitization from true allergy.

METHODS

In total, 197 subjects (100 females; mean age 44.9 years) with serum Bet v 1 IgE positivity and history of nasal symptoms were evaluated. Subjects were subdivided in 2 groups: allergic and sensitized.

RESULTS

Allergic patients were 58.4% of the total; they had higher serum Bet v 1 IgE levels than sensitized subjects (p < 0.001). A serum IgE to Bet v 1 value >8.94 kilo units of allergen per liter (kUA/L) was able to differentiate between sensitization and allergy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.76; diagnostic odds ratio, ie, degree of agreement between health status and dichotomized IgE levels [DOR] = 6.5). Gender and season when the blood was drawn influenced IgE levels.

CONCLUSION

Serum Bet v 1 IgE measurement may be able to differentiate sensitization from allergy in subjects with sensitization to Betulaceae pollen allergens. Thus, Bet v 1 IgE measurement should be considered a useful step in the management of patients with allergic rhinitis due to Betulaceae pollen allergens.