Clinical Relevance of Profilin Sensitization Concerning Oral Allergy Syndrome in Birch Pollen Sensitized Patients

Abstract

Purpose

Many plant food allergens contain homologs to the major birch allergen Bet v 1; therefore, the majority of patients with birch pollen allergy suffer from oral allergy syndrome. We studied the relevance of sensitization of Bet v 1 and co-sensitization with profilin concerning the clinical manifestations of an oral allergy syndrome.

Patients and Methods

A total of 1119 patients with a positive skin prick test to birch and diagnostic for specific IgE to the allergen components Bet v 1 and profilin were analyzed retrospectively regarding complaints in the upper and lower airways, with demographic data as well as oral and gastrointestinal allergy symptoms.

Results

Patients with simultaneous specific IgE to the allergen components Bet v 1 and profilin have to deal more often with an oral allergy syndrome and intestinal reactions. They also suffer more frequently and severely from rhinitis symptoms and show a higher tendency for asthma. No increased number of systemic reactions was seen.

Conclusion

Patients with birch allergy recognizing both allergens have more probabilities of suffering from an oral allergy syndrome, and allergologists should be aware of this in order to give better advice to their patients.

Keywords:

• oral allergy syndrome
• clinical relevance of allergens
• birch pollen sensitization
• profilin co-sensitization
• component resolved diagnostic

Abbreviations

OAS, oral allergy syndrome; SPT, skin prick test; HDM, house dust mite; FEIA, fluorimetric enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

We thank the medical technician staff of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Gabriele Bärr and Elisabeth Pfrogner, and also Dominik Steubl for statistical analysis support.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal which the article has been submitted; and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. There was no financial support for this study.