The diagnosis of Lipid Transfer Protein allergy -- discriminating
between sensitisation and allergy
Abstract
Background: Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP) is often diagnosed
using a combination of clinical history, skin tests and laboratory
tests. The peach LTP allergen Pru p 3 is considered a reliable marker of
sensitisation to LTP but does not discriminate between allergy and
sensitisation alone. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the
results of adult patients referred for a suspected food allergy to the
Allergy Unit at the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
(RBHT) London (UK), between 2012-2022 who were sensitised to Pru p 3.
Those with a final diagnosis of LTP allergy, were compared to those
sensitized to Pru p 3 but not diagnosed with LTP allergy.
Results: Of 285 patients with a positive Pru p 3, 157 (55%)
were diagnosed with LTP allergy. LTP allergic patients were more likely
to have a higher level of Pru p 3, a lower level of total IgE and a
positive skin prick test to peach extract (p<0.001). The ratio
of Pru p 3 to total IgE was the most accurate diagnostic marker of LTP
allergy in those sensitized to Pru p 3, with a ROC AUC of 0.880. A
diagnosis of LTP allergy was significantly associated with sensitisation
to the LTP in peanut (Ara h 9, p<0.001), and hazelnut (Cor a 8,
p<0.001). Conclusion: Although a range of allergy tests
may contribute to the diagnostic workup, the Pru p 3 sIgE:total IgE
ratio could be a more effective way of discriminating between
sensitization to Pru p 3 and true LTP allergy.