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

Serological diagnosis of IgE-mediated disease is performed routinely o n sera from dogs with atopic disease and, more controversially, suspec ted food hypersensitivity. In the case of atopy, results of hyposensit ization based upon serological assays are comparable to those achieved when intradermal skin tests are used for diagnosis and selection of a llergens 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 immunochemi cal 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 c an lead to frequent and severe morbidity, as in the case of hypersensi tivity to fleas, or even mortality in cases of hymenoptera hypersensit ivity. These conditions can be diagnosed by in vitro assays. Both bovi ne and equine IgE have been characterized, and assays for allergen-spe cific antibody developed. However, studies on these species have been directed largely at investigative rather than routine diagnostic aspec ts.