The specific IgE, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 levels against Staphylococcus aureus (Wood 46 strain) in patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is often isolated from infected skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). We examined the specific IgE, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 serum levels against S. aureus to clarify the sensitization and the roles of the specific IgG antibodies against S. aureus in patients with AD. The antigen was purified from Wood 46 strain, defective of protein A. Fifty nine (29.4%) of 197 patients with AD were positive for specific IgE. The levels of IgG1 and IgG2 againt S. aureus of the positives for IgE were much higher than those of the negatives. Patients with AD are supposed to be easily sensitized by S. aureus. It was suspected that IgG (IgG1 and IgG2) has a supportive role to prevent generalized infections with S. aureus in patients with AD.