[Anaphylactic reaction after soya intake in a patient with birch pollen allergy]

Patients with birch pollen allergy may suffer from severe anaphylactic reactions after ingestion of foodstuffs containing soya. The reason for this is similarities in protein structure between a major birch pollen allergen (bet v 1) and Gly m 4, a pollen-related protein in soya. A 65-year-old patient allergic to birch pollen developed an adverse systemic reaction after consumption of a soya-containing drink. The diagnosis could be confirmed by in vitro and skin testing methods. Patients who suffer from birch pollen allergy should strictly avoid the intake of soya-containing foodstuffs.