Cross-reactivity of pink peppercorn in cashew and pistachio allergic individuals
10.5415/apallergy.2019.9.e25
- Author:
Joan Jue Ying TOO
1
;
Lynette Pei Chi SHEK
;
Mohana RAJAKULENDRAN
Author Information
1. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Cross reactions;
Anacardium;
Food hypersensitivity
- MeSH:
Anacardiaceae;
Anacardium;
Anaphylaxis;
Child;
Cohort Studies;
Cross Reactions;
Food Hypersensitivity;
Hope;
Humans;
Hypersensitivity;
Nuts;
Pistacia;
Skin
- From:
Asia Pacific Allergy
2019;9(3):e25-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The Pink peppercorn belongs to the same Anacardiaceae family as cashew and pistachio. However, the cross-reactivity of pink peppercorn with cashew and pistachio has yet to be studied. To date, there has been a single case report of anaphylaxis to pink peppercorn in a cashew and pistachio allergic individual. OBJECTIVE: We aim to demonstrate cross-sensitization to pink peppercorn in cashew and/or pistachio allergic children. METHODS: A small descriptive cohort study looking at cross-sensitization of pink peppercorn in cashew and/or pistachio allergic children was conducted. Children with a history of reaction to pistachio and/or cashew nut underwent skin prick tests to the pink peppercorn species Schinus terebinthifolius to determine cross-sensitization. RESULTS: Out of the 21 cashew and/or pistachio allergic subjects, 16 (76.2%) demonstrated cross-sensitization to pink peppercorn. None of the subjects had any knowledge of previous exposure or allergic reactions to pink peppercorn. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates potential cross-reactivity between pink peppercorn and cashew and pistachio. While an oral food challenge to pink peppercorn would have been important in demonstrating clinical cross-reactivity, this was not performed due to ethical constraints. We hope to increase the awareness of pink peppercorn as a potential and hidden source of allergen and encourage further studies to demonstrate the clinical cross-reactivity and to better delineate the major allergen involved.
