Frequency of LTP (Pru p 3) and profilin (Pru p 4) sensitization in 1052 patients referenced to an Imunoallergology Department in Lisbon

Abstract

We tested 1052 patients (64% female, mean age 34 years) and found 47 (4.5%) Pru p 3 and 42 (4%) Pru p 4 sensitizations. Co-sensitization was present in 7 patients. Polinosis was present in 70% of the LTP-sensitized, 80% of profilinsensitized and 86% of the co-sensitized groups, whereas plant food allergy was present in 48%, 23% and 71.4% respectively. Cutaneous, respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations of food allergy were significantly more frequent in the LTP and co-sensitized groups (p<.001). Conclusion We found lower rates of sensitization than in other studies performed in Mediterranean populations. Although 52% of patients were asymptomatic, LTP sensitization, regardless of profilin co-sensitization, was more often associated with plant-food allergy and presented more severe manifestations.