J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2002 Jun;22(2):410-417.

Are there any links between mugwort pollen and food allergens such as celery and carrot based upon allergy skin prick tests?

• Lee YM
• Suh YJ
• Lee SK
• Nahm DH
• Park HS

Abstract

Background and objectives: Mugwort pollen is one of the major causative allergens in this country. There have been a few reports suggesting a significant association between mugwort pollen and food allergens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the allergenic relationship between mugwort pollen and food allergens based upon skin prick tests. Material and method: Of 2,909 allergy patients who had been skin tested to identify causative allergens at the Allergy Clinic of Ajou University Hospital, 471 patients sensitized to mugwort, ragweed, or Hop Japanese pollens on skin prick test (2+ of A/H ratio) were enrolled for this study. Positive rates to common inhalant or food allergens and their allergenic relationships with other pollens or food allergens were analyzed based upon skin prick test results.
RESULTS
The positive rates (2+ of A/H) to nettle, rye grass, Bermuda grass, birch, and alder pollens were significantly higher in those sensitized to mugwort pollen than in those of negative responders (p<0.05, respectively). In regard to food allergens, positive rates to celery (15.3%) and carrot (14.5%) were significantly higher in patients sensitized to mugwort pollen (p<0.05, respectively). Significant association was noted between mugwort pollen and celery allergen (p< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Positive response to mugwort pollen can be associated with celery and carrot sensitivity on skin prick tests.

Keyword

mugwort; celery; carrot; skin prick test

MeSH Terms

Allergens*
Alnus
Ambrosia
Apium graveolens*
Artemisia*
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Betula
Cynodon
Daucus carota*
Humans
Humulus
Hypersensitivity*
Lolium
Pollen*
Skin Tests
Skin*
Allergens