Abstract

COUTO, Mariana et al. Anaphylaxis to sunflower seed. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.2, pp.139-143. ISSN 0871-9721.

Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus) sensitization occurs to storage proteins (2S albumins) and to lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), but it rarely induces anaphylaxis. We report the case of a 32 year -old female with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and three anaphylactic reactions minutes after eating sunflower seed. The first episodes occurred after eating sunflower seeds as a snack, and the last after eating potatoes fried in sunflower oil. Skin prick tests were positive to sunflower seed, specific IgE was 79 kU/L and Immuno-CAP ISAC® revealed sensitization to cross -reactive LTPs (nPru p 3, nArt v 3, rPar j 2). Sunflower seed extract inhibited (60%) IgE binding to nArt v 3 and nPru p 3, with no inhibition to the other allergens identified. Epinephrine autoinjector device was prescribedand strict avoidance of sunflower seed and foods cooked in sunflower oil was advised.

Keywords : Anaphylaxis; food allergy; lipid transfer proteins; sunflower oil; sunflower seed.

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