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BAT and MAT for diagnosis of peanut allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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  • Alexandre Piletta-Zanin,
  • Christian Ricci,
  • Alexandra Santos,
  • Philippe Eigenmann
Alexandre Piletta-Zanin
Hopitaux Universitaires Geneve Hopital des Enfants

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Christian Ricci
North-West University
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Alexandra Santos
King's College London Department of Women & Children's Health
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Philippe Eigenmann
Hopitaux Universitaires Geneve Hopital des Enfants
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Abstract

Background: Basophil activation test (BAT) or the mast cell activation test (MAT) are two in vitro tests that are currently being studied in food allergy as diagnostic tools as an alternative to oral food challenges (OFCs). We conducted a meta-analysis on BAT and MAT assessing their specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing peanut allergy. Methods: Six databases were searched for studies on patients suspected of having peanut allergy. Studies using BAT or MAT to peanut extract and/or component as diagnostic tools with results given in percentage of CD63 activation were included in this meta-analysis. Study quality was evaluated with the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: On the eleven studies identified, eight focused exclusively on children, while three included a mixed population of adults and children. Only one study provided data on MAT, precluding us from conducting a statistical analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of BAT was higher when stimulated with peanut extract rather than Ara h2 with a pooled specificity of 96% (95% CI: 0.89-0.98) and sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74-0.93). The sensitivity and specificity of BATs in discriminating between allergic and sensitized patients was studied as well with pooled analysis revealing a sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74; 0.93) and a specificity of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.98). Conclusion: BATs, when stimulated with peanut extracts, exhibit a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of peanut allergy and can help to discriminate between allergic individuals and those only sensitized to peanut. More investigations on the potential for MATs diagnostic methods are warranted.
Submitted to Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
21 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
21 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
21 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Accept