Allergy Asthma Immunol Res.  2013 May;5(3):150-154. 10.4168/aair.2013.5.3.150.

Evaluation of Banana Hypersensitivity Among a Group of Atopic Egyptian Children: Relation to Parental/Self Reports

• El-Sayed Z
• El-Ghoneimy DH
• El-Shennawy D
• Nasser MW

• KMID: 2260334
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2013.5.3.150

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the frequency of banana sensitization and allergy among a group of atopic Egyptian children in relation to parental/self reports.
METHODS
This is a case-control study included 2 groups of allergic children with and without history of banana allergy, each included 40 patients. They were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) using commercial banana allergen extract and prick-prick test (PPT) using raw banana, in addition to measuring the serum banana-specific IgE. Oral banana challenge was performed in suspected cases.
RESULTS
Banana allergy was diagnosed in 3 (7.5%) patients based on positive history of allergy on exposure to banana, positive SPT/PPT and elevated banana-specific IgE. The 3 patients had bronchial asthma with exacerbation upon banana exposure. The PPT results conform with those of SPT both in diagnosis of banana allergy and in the skin reactivity to banana. Serum banana-specific IgE was detectable in the whole studied sample with higher serum level among those without history of banana allergy (P=0.005). Oral banana challenge was negative for 20 patients with history of banana allergy and positive serum banana-specific IgE but negative SPT and PPT.
CONCLUSIONS
Self/parental reports of banana allergy is high while the actual banana allergy is uncommon. The PPT seems as reliable as SPT in diagnosis of banana allergy unlike specific IgE which reflects sensitization rather than allergy. Oral food challenge remains the most helpful tool for diagnosis of food allergy in suspected cases.

Keyword

Banana hypersensitivity; allergic children; skin prick test

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Case-Control Studies
Child
Food Hypersensitivity
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Immunoglobulin E
Musa
Skin
Immunoglobulin E

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