Apple allergy across Europe: how allergen sensitization profiles determine the clinical expression of allergies to plant foods

M. Fernandez-Rivas, S.T.H.P. Bolhaar, E. Gonzalez-Mancebo, R. Asero, A van Leeuwen, B. Bohle, Y. Ma, C. Ebner, N. Rigby, A.I. Sancho, S. Miles, L. Zuidmeer, A.C. Knulst, H. Breiteneder, C. Mills, K. Hoffmann-Sommergruber, R. van Ree

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Allergy to a plant food can either result from direct sensitization to that food or from primary sensitization to pollen, latex, or another food.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the primary sensitizers in apple allergy across Europe, the individual allergens involved, and whether these differences determine the clinical presentation.

METHODS: Patients (n = 389) with positive case histories and skin prick test responses to fresh apple were selected in the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, and Spain. Skin prick tests and RASTs to a panel of pollens and plant foods were performed, as well as RASTs to Bet v 1 and the apple allergens Mal d 1, 2, 3, and 4.

RESULTS: In the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy apple allergy is mild (>90% isolated oral symptoms) and related to birch pollinosis and sensitization to Bet v 1 and its apple homologue, Mal d 1, which has an odds ratio of local reactions of 2.85 (95% CI, 1.47-5.55). In Spain apple allergy is severe (>35% systemic reactions) and related to peach allergy and sensitization to Mal d 3 (nonspecific lipid transfer protein), which has an odds ratio of systemic reactions of 7.76 (95% CI, 3.87-15.56).

CONCLUSION: The analysis of individual apple allergens in a clinical context has provided insight into the sensitization pathway and into the intrinsic risk an allergen bears to induce mild or severe food allergy.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Information on the sensitization pathway is essential to develop preventive strategies in food allergy. The application of individual food allergens with a known intrinsic risk will improve the prognostic value of diagnostic tests.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)481-488
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume118
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2006

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Allergens
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Food Hypersensitivity
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Male
  • Malus
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Apple allergy across Europe: how allergen sensitization profiles determine the clinical expression of allergies to plant foods'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this