LATEX ALLERGY IN FRUIT-ALLERGIC PATIENTS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of latex a llergy in fruit-allergic patients, and to assess its clinical signific ance. Fifty-seven fruit-allergic patients and 50 non-fruit-allergic at opic patient controls were studied. All patients were questioned about conventional immediate symptoms after contact with latex products. Pa tients also underwent skin prick testing and determination of specific serum IgE to latex, as well as a screening test for environmental all ergens. Immunologic latex sensitization occurred in 49/57 (85.9%) frui t-allergic patients, who showed a positive STP and/or CAP to latex, bu t in only two controls (P<0.001). Six out of 57 (10.5%) fruit-allergic patients suffered from clinically relevant latex allergy. Symptoms in cluded contact urticaria, angioedema, conjunctivitis, generalized urti caria, and moderate anaphylactic reactions. No control reported sympto ms with latex products (P=0.052). In all patients, clinical symptoms t o fruits preceded a history of latex allergy. The fruits most associat ed were melon, peach, and banana. From our data, we conclude that ther e is a potential for allergic reactions to latex in patients with alle rgy to fruit. All patients with fruit allergy should be screened for i ndividual risk of latex allergy.