BAT and MAT for diagnosis of peanut allergy: a systematic review and
meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Basophil activation test (BAT) or the mast cell activation
test (MAT) are two in vitro tests that are currently being studied in
food allergy as diagnostic tools as an alternative to oral food
challenges (OFCs). We conducted a meta-analysis on BAT and MAT assessing
their specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing peanut allergy. Methods:
Six databases were searched for studies on patients suspected of having
peanut allergy. Studies using BAT or MAT to peanut extract and/or
component as diagnostic tools with results given in percentage of CD63
activation were included in this meta-analysis. Study quality was
evaluated with the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: On the eleven studies
identified, eight focused exclusively on children, while three included
a mixed population of adults and children. Only one study provided data
on MAT, precluding us from conducting a statistical analysis. The
diagnostic accuracy of BAT was higher when stimulated with peanut
extract rather than Ara h2 with a pooled specificity of 96% (95% CI:
0.89-0.98) and sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74-0.93). The sensitivity
and specificity of BATs in discriminating between allergic and
sensitized patients was studied as well with pooled analysis revealing a
sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74; 0.93) and a specificity of 0.97
(95% CI: 0.94, 0.98). Conclusion: BATs, when stimulated with peanut
extracts, exhibit a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for the
diagnosis of peanut allergy and can help to discriminate between
allergic individuals and those only sensitized to peanut. More
investigations on the potential for MATs diagnostic methods are
warranted.