Hypersensitivity to latex, chestnut, and banana

Ann Allergy. 1993 Jan;70(1):31-4.

Abstract

The incidence of latex-allergic patients is probably higher than suspected. A spectrum of IgE-dependent allergic reactions to latex products including urticaria, rhinitis, asthma, angioedema, and life-threatening anaphylaxis has been increasingly reported in recent years. We describe three patients with rubber hypersensitivity and allergy to fruit (banana and chestnut). Immediate positive responses were obtained in prick tests with latex, banana, and chestnut extracts. Histamine release was positive and specific IgE antibodies to all three extracts were detected by fluorescence radioimmunoassay. In the RAST-inhibition studies, the extract of latex inhibited the binding of chestnut and banana, but chestnut and banana extracts did not inhibit the binding of latex. These results suggest a sensitivity to crossreacting antigens in latex allergy associated with allergy to certain fruits.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross Reactions
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Food Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Fruit / adverse effects*
  • Histamine Release
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / etiology
  • Latex / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuts / adverse effects*
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Radioimmunoassay

Substances

  • Latex