Occupational Allergy in Strawberry Greenhouse Workers

Abstract

Background: Employees in strawberry greenhouses are highly exposed to several (potential) allergenic agents. However, no occupational allergy in this branch has been described before. First, the presence of work-related allergic symptoms in strawberry workers was explored. Second, we aimed to prove the concept that an IgE-mediated allergy could be responsible for work-related symptoms. To test the possibility of an IgE response secondary to cross-reactivity to birch or grass pollen, inhibition experiments were performed. Methods: First, a questionnaire survey concerning work-related allergic symptoms among strawberry workers in the Netherlands was carried out. Second, 3 workers with work-related symptoms were investigated in detail. Skin tests, serum-specific IgE tests with home-made extracts of strawberry pollen and other possible allergenic agents of the strawberry greenhouse environment were executed. Furthermore, immunoblots and nasal provocations with strawberry pollen extract were performed. In addition, inhibition experiments were performed. Results: 29 of 75 questionnaire respondents (38.7%) reported work-related symptoms. Sensitization to strawberry pollen was found in skin tests in all 3 employees with work-related symptoms. ELISA and immunoblotting with strawberry pollen showed positive results in 2 employees. Birch and grass pollen failed to inhibit IgE binding to strawberry pollen in 1 of 2 employees. Partial inhibition was seen in the second employee. Nasal provocation validated clinically relevant allergy to these pollens in 2 of 3 subjects. Conclusions: Allergic symptoms attributable to the workplace are present among a proportion of strawberry greenhouse employees. An IgE-mediated occupational allergy to strawberry pollen may contribute to these symptoms.

Pru p 9, a new allergen eliciting respiratory symptoms in subjects sensitized to peach tree pollen

“…Many plant pollens from fruit trees are entomophilous and therefore considered of low allergenic interest, except for subjects occupationally exposed [3,4]. Cases of allergic reactions to pollen from fruit trees and ornamental plants have been reported, although mainly limited to workers directly exposed or pollen that is transported by airborne particles [5][6][7][8][9]. However, in certain regions of the world fruit tree pollens can be relevant not only in exposed individuals but also in the general population, as occurs with palm tree pollen [10,11].…”

Occupational respiratory allergy in peach crop workers

“…Pollens from Rosaceae family have been rarely reported as a cause of occupational allergy. There are some cases among workers of strawberry and rose crops. The presence of allergens in Rosaceae fruit tree pollen has been documented by Berrens et al .…”

“…Occupational allergy due to Rosaceae pollen is rare. It may cause sensitization in exposed individuals, and it has been described as a cause of occupational respiratory allergy in workers in strawberry crops and roses, and in workers of artificial pollination of the Japanese pear or peach tree…”

Awareness and knowledge of allergens: A need and a challenge to assure a safe and healthy consumption of small fruits

“…Inhalation of frozen raspberry powder was reported to cause occupational asthma [23]. Quite recently Patiwael et al [49] reported that strawberry greenhouse workers exhibited occupational allergy, concluding that allergic symptoms among a proportion of strawberry greenhouse employees were attributable to the workplace.…”