Latex-fruit syndrome

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2003 Jan;3(1):47-53. doi: 10.1007/s11882-003-0012-y.

Abstract

Natural rubber latex immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity is probably one of the most relevant challenges that has been faced in the treatment of allergies during recent years. Additionally, allergen cross-reactivity has arisen as another very important problem, in the difficulty in diagnosing it and in its clinical implications. It is clear that some latex allergens cross-react with plant-derived food allergens, the so-called latex-fruit syndrome, with evident clinical consequences. Although the foods most frequently involved are banana, avocado, kiwi, and chestnut, several others are also implicated. Investigations point to a group of defense-related plant proteins, class I chitinases, which cross-react with a major latex allergen, hevein, as the panallergens responsible for the syndrome. This review focuses on our current understanding of the latex-fruit syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Cross Reactions / physiology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Fruit / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / etiology
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / therapy
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Plant Proteins / adverse effects
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Plant Proteins
  • pathogenesis-related proteins, plant