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[Allergy to kiwi: an unrecognized allergy]
P Doré1, K Breuil, J C Meurice
1Service de pneumologie, CHU la Milètrie, Poitiers.
Allergie Et Immunologie
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Hypersensitivity to kiwi fruit is uncommon, causing rapid oral allergic reactions. Allergy testing, including Radio Allergo Sorbent Test and skin tests, confirmed kiwi allergy in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Food Science
Background:
- Hypersensitivity reactions to foods can manifest in various ways.
- Kiwi fruit, originating from China and now widely cultivated, is a potential allergen.
Observation:
- Four cases of hypersensitivity to kiwi fruit were observed.
- Clinical reactions were primarily buccal (oral) and occurred minutes after ingestion.
Findings:
- Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST) results were positive in all four cases.
- Skin tests using fresh kiwi extract were dramatically positive in three patients, unlike controls.
- The proteolytic enzyme Actinidin in kiwi, similar to Papain, is a potential cause of hypersensitivity.
Implications:
- This study highlights kiwi fruit as a significant allergen.
- Understanding the role of Actinidin may aid in diagnosing and managing kiwi allergies.
- Increased awareness is needed, especially in regions with high kiwi production like Poitou-Charente, France.
