Λεξικό .. Apple, [(L.) Malus sylvestris (Pyrus malus)]

Apple sensitivity is frequent and it is found especially in patients with immediate hypersensitivity to birch pollen. Approximately 50% of the sensitive individuals with hypersensitivity to birch were also sensitive to apple, as judged by history of symptoms, skin test and specific IgE antibodies [1]. Apple seed, apple pulp, hazelnut and birch pollen share allergens which can explain the co-occurence of these allergies. There is an association between apple, birch pollen, potato and carerot. As demonstrated by Pastorello et al. [2] two models of sensitization to apples seem to exist, one depending on sensitization to birch pollen, particularly Bet v 1, causing reactions on subsequent oral contact with the homologous allergen Mal d 1, and the other arising directly from ingestion of apples, in which the allergen Mal d 3 (LTP) is particularly relevant. F49 is the symbol of apple in RAST.[3].

References

1. Ortolani, C. et al: Comparison of results of skin prick tests (with fresh foods and commercial food extracts) and RAST in 100 patients with oral allergy syndrome. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 1989:83:683-690.

2. Pastorello EA, Pravettoni V, Farioli L et al. Clinical role of a lipid transfer protein that acts as a new apple-specific allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104: 1106.

3. Dreborg S; Foucard, T. Allergy to apple, carrot and potato in children with birch pollen allergy. Allergy. 1983;38:167-172.