Not Just a Banana: The Extent of Fruit Cross-Reactivity and Reaction Severity in Adults with Banana Allergy
Issued Date
2023-07-01
Resource Type
eISSN
23048158
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85164957800
Journal Title
Foods
Volume
12
Issue
13
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Foods Vol.12 No.13 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Julanon N., Thiravetyan B., Unhapipatpong C., Xanthavanij N., Krikeerati T., Thongngarm T., Wongsa C., Songnuan W., Naiyanetr P., Sompornrattanaphan M. Not Just a Banana: The Extent of Fruit Cross-Reactivity and Reaction Severity in Adults with Banana Allergy. Foods Vol.12 No.13 (2023). doi:10.3390/foods12132456 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/88077
Title
Not Just a Banana: The Extent of Fruit Cross-Reactivity and Reaction Severity in Adults with Banana Allergy
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of cross-reactivity and co-allergy to other plant foods among adult patients with IgE-mediated banana allergy in Thailand. A structured questionnaire was used to assess clinical reactivity, and cross-reactivity diagnoses were based on reactions occurring within 2 years of banana allergy onset, within 3 h of intake, and confirmed by allergists. Among the 133 participants, the most commonly associated plant foods with clinical reactions were kiwi (83.5%), avocado (71.1%), persimmon (58.8%), grapes (44.0%), and durian (43.6%). Notably, 26.5% of the reported reactions to other plant foods were classified as severe. These findings highlight the common occurrence of cross-reactivity/co-allergy to other plant foods in banana-allergic patients, with a significant proportion experiencing severe reactions. Travelers to tropical regions should be aware of this risk and advised to avoid specific banana cultivars and plant foods with reported high cross-reactivity. The inclusion of self-injectable epinephrine in the management plan for patients with primary banana allergy should be considered due to the substantial proportion of reported severe reactions and the wide range of clinical cross-reactivity and co-allergy observed.