Ana o 3 sIgE testing increases the accuracy of cashew allergy diagnosis using a two-step model.

Background Measurement of cashew-specific IgE (sIgE) is often used to confirm sensitization but does not reliably diagnose clinical allergy. Ana o 3 is the dominant cashew allergen detected in 75-100% of patients with cashew allergy but not currently used in clinical practice. Objectives To determine if component-resolved diagnostics using specific IgE to the 2 S albumin from cashew, Ana o 3, improves the accuracy of diagnosing cashew allergy, thereby circumventing the need for an oral food challenge (OFC) in some patients. Methods A population-based sample of 5276 children was recruited at age 1 year and followed up at age 6 years. Children with positive cashew skin prick test at age 6 underwent an OFC to clarify allergy status. 47 children (mean age 5.02 ± 0.2) (33 cashew allergic and 14 cashew tolerant), had cashew sIgE and Ana o 3 sIgE quantified by ImmunoCAP System FEIA. Results A cut-off of >0.32kUA/L for Ana o 3 sIgE provided 95% specificity and 90% sensitivity, and correctly identified 90% of clinical cashew allergy. At the same specificity, the sensitivity for cashew sIgE (>8.5kUA/L) was only 26%. Sequential measurement of cashew sIgE followed by Ana o 3 sIgE diagnosed 90% of children with cashew allergy without the need for an OFC. Conclusion Ana o 3 sIgE testing provides higher diagnostic accuracy than cashew sIgE. Sequential measurement of cashew sIgE followed by Ana o 3 removed the need for a food challenge from 66% down to 12.8% (5-fold) of children compared with cashew sIgE testing alone.