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Alcohol-induced anaphylaxis to grapes
E Alcoceba Borràs1, E Botey Faraudo, P Gaig Jané
1Allergy Unit, University Hospital Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain.
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|August 1, 2007
Summary
Alcohol can trigger severe allergic reactions to grapes, leading to anaphylaxis. This study found no unique grape allergens when alcohol is consumed concurrently, suggesting a cofactor effect.
Area of Science:
- Food allergy research
- Immunology
- Clinical case studies
Background:
- Grape allergy is rare, but reactions to grapes, wine, and exercise-induced grape allergy have been documented.
- Alcohol consumption has been noted as a potential cofactor in allergic reactions.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old woman experienced anaphylaxis linked to consuming grapes with alcoholic beverages.
- She tolerated grapes alone but reacted when combined with alcohol.
- Skin prick tests and oral challenges confirmed reactions to grapes and champagne.
Findings:
- Immunological studies, including SDS-PAGE and IgE immunoblotting, were conducted on patient sera.
- No distinct grape allergens were identified when alcohol acted as a cofactor.
- Allergens implicated in alcohol-induced anaphylaxis to grape were similar to those in non-alcohol-induced grape allergy.
Implications:
- This case highlights alcohol as a cofactor in grape-induced anaphylaxis.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind alcohol's role in food allergies.
- Clinicians should consider alcohol consumption when evaluating patients with unexplained food-induced allergic reactions.
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