Dictionary of Allergies .. Asparagus

[(L) Asparagus officinalis]. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is an extensively grown and consumed vegetable; together with garlic, the onion and the leek, it belongs to the Liliaceae family. Both delayed cell-mediated reactions and IgE-mediated reactions secondary to asparagus have been described. While the former (allergic contact dermatitis) are a fairly common cause of occupational disease, only a few case-reports of IgE-mediated reactions have been published. IgE-mediated reactions can be further grouped into food allergy and reactions due to cutaneous or respiratory exposure, which is often occupational.

Anaphylaxis is the most common clinical picture of food allergy, while contact urticaria, rhinitis and asthma, appearing either isolated or associated, are clinical pictures of the latter. Sensitization to different allergens is the likely cause of the different clinical pictures due to asparagus. Their detection and early diagnosis is of prime importance due to the different prognosis and treatment [1]. Asparagus is a relevant source of occupational allergy inducing ACD and also IgE-mediated reactions. Severe disease (anaphylaxis or asthma) is common and lipid transfer proteins (LTPs)  seem to play a major role. The clinical relevance of LTP sensitization among patients with mild disease or symptom-free subjects should be addressed in prospective studies.

References

1. Tabar AI, Alvarez MJ, Celay E, López R, de Esteban B, Gómez B. Allergy to asparagus. An Sist Sanit Navar. 2003;26 Suppl 2:17-23

2. Tabar AI, Alvarez-Puebla MJ, Gomez B, Sanchez-Monge R, García BE, Echechipia S, Olaguibel JM, Salcedo G. Diversity of asparagus allergy: clinical and immunological features. Clin Exp Allergy. 2004 Jan;34(1):131-6.