Single recombinant
latex allergens permit the study of the pattern of sensitization to individual
allergens. We aimed to quantify the
IgE-response to individual
latex allergens in children sensitized to
latex. The study group included 31
latex-sensitized children: 26 operated at least twice, 20 of them with
spina bifida; two children with one operation and three atopic non-operated children.
IgE antibodies to rHev b 1, rHev
b 3, rHev b 5, rHev b 6.01, rHev b 7.02 and rHev b 8, coupled to ImmunoCAPs, were measured in each serum.
IgE responses to rHev b 1, rHev b 5 and rHev b 6.01 were found in 17 children each, and their mean +/- s.d. levels were 5 +/- 7.4, 16.8 +/- 14 and 10 +/- 18 kU/l, respectively.
IgE responses to rHev
b 3 (4 +/- 5.4 kU/l) were found in eight children. Two children had
IgE to rHev b 7 (1.7 and 3.2 kU/l), and none to rHev b 8. Four sera were negative to all tested recombinant
allergens. We divided the patients in three groups: sensitized only to rHev b 1, sensitized only to rHev b 5 and/or rHev b 6.01, and sensitized to both rHev b 1 and to rHev b 5 and/or rHev b 6.01. The three groups had the same profile of clinical features. Hev b 5 induces the quantitatively higher
IgE responses in children with multiple surgeries sensitized to
latex. Responses to Hev b 6.01 equal those of Hev b 1.