Prevalence of Food Allergy in 137 Latex-Allergic Patients

Abstract

There have been reports of increased prevalence of certain food allergies in patients with Type I latex allergy (LA). A detailed food allergy history was obtained from 137 patients with LA. Latex allergy was defined by positive history of IgE mediated reactions to contact with latex and positive skin prick test to latex and/or positive in vitro test (AlaSTAT and/or Pharmacia CAP). Food allergy was diagnosed by a convincing history of possible IgE mediated symptoms occurring within 60 minutes of ingestion. We identified 49 potential allergic reactions to foods in 29 (21.1%) patients. Foods responsible for these reactions include banana 9 (18.3%), avocado 8 (16.3%), shellfish 6 (12.2%), fish 4 (8.1%), kiwi 6 (12.2%), tomato 3 (6.1%), watermelon, peach, carrot 2 (4.1%) each, and apple, chestnut, cherry, coconut, apricot, strawberry, loquat, one (2.0%) each. Reactions to foods included local mouth irritation, angioedema, urticaria, asthma, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rhinitis, or anaphylaxis. Our study confirms the earlier reports of increased prevalence of food allergies in patients with LA. We also report increased prevalence of shellfish and fish allergy not previously reported. The nature of cross reacting epitopes or independent sensitization between latex and these foods is not clear.

Self-Reported Skin and Respiratory Symptoms Related to Latex Exposure among 5,087 Hospital Employees in Norway

“…Specifying the actual food allergy showed that fruit and shellfish were most important. NRL proteins are reported to cross-react with a wide variety of fruits [20, 21], but the presence of common allergens in latex and shellfish has not been reported [22]. The effect of more specified food items may be of importance, but due to small numbers this could not be investigated in the present study.…”

Features and Mode of Action of Cross-reactive Plant Allergens Relevant to Latex-fruit Syndrome

“…This phenomenon later came to be called 'latex-fruit syndrome' (Brehler et al, 1997). In the meantime, the kinds of fruits and vegetables that demonstrated their cross-reactivity to natural rubber latex increased rapidly (Kim & Hussain, 1999). Cross-reactivity of latex-sensitized people to some kinds of tree pollen and medical plants has also been documented (Pfützner et al, 1998).…”

Cataract surgery for natural rubber latex allergic patients

“…Thus patients with allergies to certain foods, for example, chestnut, banana and avocado, may have an increased risk of NRL allergy and vice versa. [20][21][22][23] Extent of NRL-related disease Many researchers dispute the actual prevalence of NRL allergy. A prevalence estimate by a particular researcher depends very much on the definition of NRL-related allergy and the systems used for confirming the diagnosis by that researcher.…”