Biological and genetic determinants of atopy are predictors of immediate-type allergy to betalactams, in Spain

Abstract

Background: Betalactam (BL) immediate-type allergy is influenced by environmental and genetic determinants, as illustrated by differences in worldwide prevalence and ethnicity from a same area and by associations with genes related to atopy.

Aims: To evaluate the association of atopy with BL allergy.

Materials and methods: We measured specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) against prevalent allergens and genetic predictors of atopy, IL13, IL4, IL4RA, IL4, and TNFA, in 340 patients and 340 controls from South of Spain.

Results: Total IgE and IgE against mites were at higher concentration in patients. Patients with high total IgE and IgE against prevalent allergens had a slower decrease in BL IgE than nonatopic patients. IL4RA I50V and Q551R were associated with IgE against prevalent allergens and total IgE, respectively, and were also predictors of BL allergy.

Conclusion: Interacting determinants of atopy, total IgE, IgE against prevalent allergens, and IL4RA polymorphisms, contribute to the high prevalence of BL allergy in South of Spain.