[Two cases of apiaceae spice allergy].

Area of Science:

• Allergen immunotherapy
• Food allergy
• Immunology

Background:

• Spice allergy is frequently reported in Scandinavian countries, but less so in Japan.
• Apiaceae (parsley family) spice allergy is uncommon, with few documented cases globally.
• Understanding the mechanisms of spice allergy is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

• Two patients in Japan presented with suspected spice allergy.
• Case 1: A 32-year-old male with no history of pollinosis.
• Case 2: A 46-year-old female with a history of seasonal pollinosis.

Findings:

• Both patients showed positive reactions to apiaceae spices via prick tests.
• Immunoblotting revealed specific IgE binding to spice proteins around 10-14 kDa and 60 kDa.
• Case 1 exhibited spice sensitization without pollinosis, suggesting direct spice allergy (Class 1).
• Case 2 demonstrated cross-reactivity with pollens, indicating pollinosis-induced spice allergy (Class 2).

Implications:

• Spice allergy may occur through different mechanisms, including direct sensitization and cross-reactivity with pollens.
• The incidence of spice allergy is expected to rise globally.
• Increased awareness and diagnostic attention for spice allergy are needed, particularly in Japan.