Diagnostic value of a lymphocyte stimulation test in cow milk protein intolerance

Abstract

In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of a lymphocyte stimulation test with casein and beta lactoglobulin in cow milk intolerance (CMI), we studied 26 patients with a diagnosis of CMI and 25 age-matched controls with intestinal diseases other than CMI. Lymphocyte stimulation test to casein (P less than .001) and beta lactoglobulin (P less than .001) was significantly higher among CMI patients. Seventeen patients were RAST positive and nine negative for whole milk proteins. No differences were found in the lymphocyte stimulation test response between RAST-positive and RAST-negative subjects. These results suggest that lymphocyte stimulation test with highly purified antigens in optimal concentrations is specific and could be useful in the diagnosis of CMI.