Author(s): Panitan Pradubpongsa and Pinyapat Kanechorn-Na-Ayuthaya
Background: Despite rare reports of persimmon anaphylaxis, the association of persimmon with natural rubber latex is low or undetermined, and latex-fruit syndrome presenting with anaphylaxis caused by persimmon has not been reported.
Methods: Allergy skin testing were performed for aeroallergens, persimmon and plant foods, including those implicated in the latex-fruit syndrome and local fruits.
Results: Strongly positive prick by prick and skin prick tests reactions in response to persimmon fruit, plant foods with known cross-reactivity with latex and latex were demonstrated.
Conclusion: Our patient showed strongly positive allergy skin testing in response to persimmon fruit, specific plant foods with reported cross-reactivity with latex and latex. Although specific IgE for persimmon fruit and RAST inhibition latex immunoCAP are not available in our country We observed strongly positive reactions selectively towards the particular plant foods that contain class I chitinases, B-1,3-gluconase, profilin and patatin-like protein. Furthermore persimmon contains profilin, a cross reactive allergen to natural rubber latex. Total IgE was high and an IgE-mediated reaction was confirmed by immediate reactions.
