Latex and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) allergy: first description of a new association

Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004 Dec;36(10):366-71.

Abstract

In this paper we describe the existence of cross-reactivity between allergens from latex and chickpea, a food from the Leguminosae family, which is common in the Mediterranean diet. We present the case report of a spina bifida boy with a clinical relevant food allergy to chickpea (oral syndrome + dysphonia), developing after the appearance of latex allergy symptoms (lip angioedema + intraoperative anaphylaxis). Specific IgE to latex and chickpea was demonstrated by skin prick tests, measurement of patient's serum specific IgE and IgE-immunoblotting. Cross-reactivity was studied by means of EAST-inhibition and western blotting-inhibition. A strong inhibition was observed in several IgE-binding bands when latex extract was used in solid phase and patient serum was preincubated with chickpea extract (chickpea extract as inhibitor phase). As far as we know, this is the first report of cross-reactivity between latex and chickpea, a food which should therefore be added to the extensive list of latex cross-reactive foods.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cicer / adverse effects*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Dietary Proteins / adverse effects
  • Dietary Proteins / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / complications*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / complications
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / complications*
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Proteins / adverse effects
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology
  • Spinal Dysraphism / complications
  • Spinal Dysraphism / surgery
  • Voice Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin E