Relevance of allergen specific immunoglobulin e testing in Indian population: A retrospective study

Abstract

Prevalence of allergies has increased dramatically in recent decade and is now considered major chronic disease at the global level. Measurement of total and allergen specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is often requested to assess possible allergy. The main objective of our study was to understand the relevance of allergen specific IgE testing in Indian population. This retrospective study was conducted at a Global Reference Laboratory in Mumbai from May 2020 to May 2022. Total available data of 65431 patients was included in the study. The data was sub grouped as per age group, gender, and positivity for specific allergens. Of the total 65431 patients, 34601 (52.88%) were Females and 30830 (47.12%) were Males. Among those tested for specific IgE allergen, positivity was found to be 30%. The dust allergy was the most prevalent (62.18%) followed by Insect allergy (52.69%) and food allergy (51.78%). Out of the 18377 patients tested for Specific allergens, 7340 (39.94%) had at least one allergen positive. The availability of multiple and allergen specific panels has proved to be a major tool for the detection and diagnosis of multiple allergies. Detection of allergy is necessary to avoid wrong diagnosis and mismanagement of disease. Combination of total IgE with specific IgE can be used as evidence of allergy along with clinical findings. It is recommended to proceed with clinically appropriate allergen specific IgE tests, regardless of total IgE concentration in patients with a history of an acute allergic reaction.