Evaluation of Serum Specific IgE Sensitization Profiles in a Korean Domestic Horse Population Using a Multiplex Allergen Line-blot Assay: A Cross-Sectional Screening Study.

Overview

• This study evaluated the use of a multiplex serum specific IgE test to identify allergens causing allergic diseases in horses in Korea.
• It aimed to determine the main allergens to which domestic horses are sensitized and assess the clinical utility of the ANITIA Equine IgE assay.

Introduction and Purpose

• Allergic diseases in horses can be triggered by environmental and dietary allergens, but domestic data in Korea were limited.
• The study focused on assessing a new multiplex allergen line-blot assay called ANITIA Equine IgE for its applicability in Korean horses.
• They aimed to identify common allergen sensitization profiles in Korean domestic horses.

Study Design and Methodology

• Cross-sectional screening study involving 140 horses.
• Horses were divided into two groups:
  • Group A (n=108): classified based on management system, including stallions with clinical signs of allergy.
  • Group B (n=32): classified based on purpose, including sport horses with urticaria.
• Serum or plasma samples collected from all horses for immune testing.
• Measured serum specific IgE concentrations to 120 allergens, covering environmental and dietary sources using the multiplex line-blot immunoassay.
• IgE levels were classified into four classes:
  • Class 0: Negative (no sensitization)
  • Class 1: Low sensitization
  • Class 2: Moderate sensitization
  • Class 3: High sensitization

Key Results

• Approximately 65.7% of all horses were sensitized (Class 1 or higher) to at least one allergen.
  • 60.2% sensitized in Group A (management system)
  • 84.4% sensitized in Group B (purpose)
• The most frequently identified allergen was wasp venom, sensitizing about 38% of all horses.
• Other common sensitizing allergens included:
  • Insect antigens such as house flies and ants
  • Storage mites
  • Molds
• Horses in Group A with clinical allergy signs mainly showed moderate to high IgE levels (Class 2 or above).
• Two sport horses in Group B with urticaria exhibited low-level polysensitization (Class 1 across multiple allergens).

Conclusions and Implications

• The ANITIA Equine IgE multiplex test is a useful screening tool to detect allergen sensitization in Korean horses.
• Insect-related allergens, especially wasp venom, were major sensitizers in Korea’s horse population.
• IgE sensitization levels do not always predict severity or clinical signs; hence, test results should be interpreted alongside the horse’s clinical history and symptoms.
• This comprehensive approach aids in better diagnosis and management of allergic diseases in horses.

Significance

• Provides valuable baseline sensitization data in domestic Korean horses, previously unavailable.
• Validates the clinical application of a multiplex serum IgE assay as a diagnostic tool.
• Highlights the importance of insect allergen exposure in horse allergic diseases in Korea.