Profilin sensitization and its clinical relevance to a population of atopic adults in Greece

Abstract

Abstract Background Profilin is a panallergen often responsible for cross-reactivity between pollen and plant foods. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) consists a clinical expression of this cross-reaction, in some profilin-sensitized patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sensitization to profilin in Greece and to examine the correlation of profilin-sensitization with OAS. Methods Two hundred and sixty-four atopic adults were included in the study, with at least one positive SPT to airborne and/or food allergens. Sensitization to profilin was examined with the use of purified date palm profilin Pho d 2. SPT with our standard battery of commercial extracts and an additional panel with profilin-containing foods and pollen were conducted. Results Twenty-nine of our atopic patients (11%) resulted positive to profilin and 79 (29.9%) patients referred symptoms of OAS. Patients with OAS reported peach, walnut, kiwi, banana and hazelnut, as the commonest plant foods causing OAS. OAS was correlated to positive SPT to apple, peach pulp (showing the highest correlation), and other plant foods. No statistically significant correlation was found between sensitization to profilin and OAS. A significant trend of profilin-sensitization was found in patients with allergic rhinitis, but not in asthmatics. Conclusion Our results show a low prevalence of sensitization to profilin, in Greece. The in vivo sensitization to profilin's extract was not correlated to OAS and it is probable that another culprit panallergen is the cause for many OAS cases in our country.