In vivo and in vitro correlates of food allergy.
Sera of 86 patients clinically sensitive to foods were tested by passive sensitization of human and/or monkey lung (127 tests) and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) (72 tests), using whole-food antigens; the results were compared with skin (prick) testing. Results of the prick test correlated with history in 76% of cases; lung sensitization correlated with history in 37% and with prick test in 57%; and RAST correlated with history in 54% and prick test in 72%. It is concluded that a very large percentage of adverse reactions to foods are IgE-mediated. The prick test is of use in diagnosis, particularly when combined with RAST; the lung sensitization test is technically impractical and not a reliable indicator. The best diagnostic method is careful history with food challenge and withdrawal and rechallenge; the latter is safe except in patients with a history of violent reaction.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D010367:Arachis / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D004531:Eggs / Q000009:adverse effects; D005399:Fishes / Q000276:immunology; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D006636:Histamine Release; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology; D009754:Nuts / Q000009:adverse effects; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012882:Skin Tests