Results of skin test and RAST in allergy to a clinically potent allergen (castor bean)

Abstract

Summary In order to investigate once more the usefulness of the RAST procedure in the diagnosis of reaginic hypersensitivity, we studied a series of patients showing a well known sensitivity to castor bean, which is a potent antigen, and compared the results with those given by patients with no clinical allergy to this antigen as confirmed by negative skin testing. The latter group included patients with no contact, a remote contact or a close contact with castor bean. Castor bean allergy seems to be a good model in the testing of human reaginic hypersensitivity. We observed in the castor bean positive group of forty‐one patients a 95% correlation between RAST positivity and skin test positivity with only two negative RAST scores, and in the castor bean negative group of ninety‐four patients, a 97% correlation, with three RAST positive scores. For its specificity and its good sensibility (although lesser than skin testing), RAST can thus be recommended as a diagnostic tool as a complement to skin testing. Moreover, for potent allergens, RAST offers a risk‐free diagnostic alternative.

Use of phytotherapy in dentistry

“…Several studies were found to investigate the allergenic properties of castor beans, from which castor oil is extracted. Individuals have reported asthma after exposure to castor beans (Panzani and Johansson, 1986). Castor oil might cause contact dermatitis (Di Berardino and Della Torre, 2003).…”

Identification of allergens by IgE‐specific testing improves outcomes in atopic dermatitis

“…This high level of reliability, coupled with the low risk of an in vitro test, has made IgEQAA a useful tool in the treatment of allergic diseases. 4 AD has been shown to be aggravated by multiple different environmental allergens, especially certain aeroallergens. In a study conducted by Goon et al, it has been shown that patients with AD tested positive to both atopic patch and IgEQAA testing for house dust mites at a level significantly higher than that of controls.…”

Allergic Rhinitis

“…This method is more sensitive and specific than the in vitro test, the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) technique, which measures specific IgE antibody in the blood against a particular allergen. 14 The level of antibody correlates approximately with the degree of allergen sensitivity to that allergen.…”