SPECIFIC IGE TO RECOMBINANT VEGETAL PANALLERGEN (RBET V-2) AND FRUIT ALLERGY IN POLLINIC PATIENTS

The presence of IgE antibodies to the allergens rBet vl and rBet v 2 w as investigated in patients with known sensitization to ryegrass (Loli um perenne) and/or olive (Olea europaea) pollen, by comparing a group of 10 patients who had allergic symptoms after ingestion of fruits (A) with a group of 17 patients who had only seasonal respiratory symptom s (B). There was no significant difference between the two groups for total IgE. All patients showed specific IgE to both L. perenne and O. europaea. No specific IgE binding to rBet v 1 was detected in any pati ent. The incidence of the presence of IgE antibodies to rBet v 2 was 9 0% in the group with fruit allergy (A) and 35% in group B. We found a significant association between presence of IgE antibodies to rBet v 2 and fruit allergy (P=0.007). Specific IgE values to O. europaea polle n were higher in the fruit-allergy group than the group without fruit allergy (P=0.032). In conclusion, pollen-allergic patients with specif ic IgE to birch pollen profilin show a significantly elevated frequenc y of fruit allergy.