THE SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF IGE-MEDIATED ALLERGIC DISEASES IN DOMESTIC-ANIMALS

Serological diagnosis of IgE-mediated disease is performed routinely on sera from dogs with atopic disease and, more controversially, suspected food hypersensitivity. In the case of atopy, results of hyposensitization based upon serological assays are comparable to those achieved when intradermal skin tests are used for diagnosis and selection of allergens for immunotherapy. Convincing studies correlating results of diet trials with levels of IgE antibody to food allergens have yet to be published. There are no publications characterizing the immunochemical nature of feline IgE, yet in vitro assays for feline IgE allergen-specific antibody are offered by a number of commercial laboratories. Insect hypersensitivity is also important in veterinary medicine. It can lead to frequent and severe morbidity, as in the case of hypersensitivity to fleas, or even mortality in cases of hymenoptera hypersensitivity. These conditions can be diagnosed by in vitro assays. Both bovine and equine IgE have been characterized, and assays for allergen-specific antibody developed. However, studies on these species have been directed largely at investigative rather than routine diagnostic aspects.