IgE Reactivity To Food And Latex Components In Sera From Chestnut Allergic Individuals From The Mediterranean Area

Abstract

RATIONALE: Knowledge concerning allergens associated with chestnut allergy is limited. Many studies have focused on allergens related to the latex-fruit syndrome as many chestnut allergic individuals also suffer from simultaneous allergy to latex. Studies regarding chestnut allergens not linked to latex allergy are less common. In the present study, IgE responses to allergens related to either latex- or food allergy in sera from chestnut allergic individuals from the Mediterranean area were studied. METHODS: Specific IgE to 12 allergenic components were analysed in sera from 13 individuals diagnosed with chestnut allergy. Inhibition analysis was performed with peach LTP (Pru p 3) and chestnut extract. RESULTS: Specific IgE responses to Pru p 3, Hev b 5, Hev b 6 and Hev b 11 were detected. Six individuals were found to have IgE to Pru p 3, but only one had concomitant allergy to latex. High level inhibition (83-98%) of the chestnut IgE response was obtained with Pru p 3. Nine individuals were found to have IgE to latex components and, out of these, seven had a concomitant allergy to latex. Eight individuals had IgE responses to Hev b 6, related to the chitinase of chestnut. Inhibition of the latex IgE responses was obtained with chestnut extract. CONCLUSIONS: Chestnut allergic individuals from the Mediterranean area appear to have two main patterns of IgE responses. Individuals diagnosed with only chestnut allergy, mainly had responses to LTP while individuals with concomitant latex allergy had reponses to Hev b 6, probably indicating a response directed to chestnut specific chitinase.