Serological examination of IgE- and IgG-specific antibodies to egg protein during influenza virus immunization

Abstract

SUMMARYThe concentrations of serum IgE (PRIST) and IgE-and IgG-specific antibodies to egg protein were determined in paired sera taken from students who had received influenza virus vaccine. Although persons who gave a history of allergy to egg or to chicken feathers were excluded, 10-16 % of vaccinees possessed higher titres of serum IgE and IgE-specific antibody (RAST) to egg white (Fl) allergen before vaccination. The titres of IgG-specific antibody to egg protein (ovalbumin and ovomucoid antigens) were negligible, and did not show any significant response after vaccination. In contrast, IgE-specific antibody to F1 allergen rose significantly in a considerable number of the vaccinees. The results obtained indicate possible contamination of vaccine products with allergens of egg origin and a potential risk of allergic manifestation after influenza vaccination.

Evidence that Food Proteins in Vaccines Cause the Development of Food Allergies and Its Implications for Vaccine Policy

“…They therefore found sensitization in 1.6% of vaccine recipients, even in a population that was protected from allergy, by tuberculosis infection. Yamane et al [8] demonstrated a significant increase in anti-ovalbumin IgE in 36 out of 100 subjects following influenza vaccination.…”

The VesiVax system: a method for rapid vaccine development

“…Occasionally, immunization can precipitate the development of autoimmune diseases directed against normal tissues (e.g., Guillain-Barre' syndrome) (3). In addition to the agents themselves, vaccine production within cells or complex artificial media may allow for the induction of severe allergic reactions to foreign proteins incorporated in the vaccine preparation (4). Bacterial vaccines can also have undesirable side effects: certain pertussis vaccines cause some very severe complications in children (e.g., vomiting, anorexia, convulsions, pain, fever) because of endotoxins present in the vaccine (5) while the widely used BCG vaccine for tuberculosis has been shown to cause a number of adverse reactions, including local abscesses at the site of injection, lymphadenitis, pulmonary lesions and even bone lesions (6).…”