Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)
07:10

Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)

Published on: April 21, 2019

Clustered sensitivity to fungi: anaphylactic reactions caused by ingestive allergy to yeasts

Kristiina Airola1, Leena Petman, Soili Mäkinen-Kiljunen

  • 1Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. kristiina.airola@hus.fi

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|October 18, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Individuals with mold allergies may react to ingested yeast extracts found in foods. This study highlights a patient with mold sensitization who experienced anaphylaxis after consuming yeast-containing sauces, indicating yeast as a potential food allergen.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Food Science
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Respiratory allergies to environmental molds are common, with some individuals exhibiting cross-reactivity to fungal allergens.
  • Generalized allergic reactions from ingested fungi are less frequently documented.
  • Yeast extracts are widely used as food flavorings, particularly in sauces and processed foods.

Observation:

  • A patient with known mold sensitization experienced multiple anaphylactic reactions.
  • Reactions occurred after ingesting pasta sauces containing yeast extract.
  • The patient also reacted to specific mold species, baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and food-grade yeast extract.

Findings:

  • Skin prick and serum IgE tests confirmed sensitization to multiple molds (e.g., Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata) and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Malassezia furfur).
  • Positive reactions were observed to the consumed pasta sauces and the yeast ingredient.
  • Radioallergosorbent test inhibition studies demonstrated cross-reactivity between yeast, mold allergens, and the food products.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that yeast extracts used in the food industry can act as significant ingestible allergens in mold-sensitized individuals.
  • Clinicians should consider yeast-based food ingredients as potential triggers for allergic reactions in patients with known fungal allergies.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and mechanisms of cross-reactivity between environmental molds and food yeasts.

More Related Videos

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice07:49

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice

Published on: October 14, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
Cross-reactivity00:42

Cross-reactivity

Overview