Compositae dermatitis from airborne parthenolide

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Plant Chemistry

Background:

• Airborne Compositae dermatitis is suspected but lacks definitive proof.
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a suspected cause of airborne allergy.
• Parthenolide (PHL) is the key sesquiterpene lactone (SQL) allergen in feverfew.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess feverfew-derived monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes' allergenicity in allergic patients.
• To confirm the role of PHL and other SQLs in airborne contact allergy.

Main Methods:

• Patch testing feverfew-allergic patients with plant extracts and airborne particle samples.
• Utilizing high-volume air sampler (HIVAS) and headspace techniques for particle collection.
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for allergen identification and quantification.

Main Results:

• Eight of 12 feverfew-allergic patients reacted to HIVAS filter extract.
• PHL was detected in allergenic concentrations (510 ng mL(-1)) in the HIVAS extract.
• Positive reactions to PHL were observed down to 8.1 ng; no reactions to monoterpenes or sesquiterpenes.

Conclusions:

• Clinical evidence confirms feverfew-allergic patients are sensitive to airborne plant particles.
• Isolation of PHL in allergenic amounts strongly implicates it as the causative agent.
• This study provides proof for airborne contact allergy to feverfew mediated by PHL.