Immunoglobulin E antibodies against coriander and other spices

Patient M, working with spices in the food industry, developed asthma on inhalation of dust from spices. Skin prick test results with curry, coriander, and mace were strongly positive. With RAST, specific IgE antibodies against coriander, curry, mace, ginger, and paprika powder could be demonstrated in serum from patient M. It could be demonstrated by RAST inhibition that the IgE-binding components from coriander did not cross-react with the IgE-binding components from ginger and paprika. Leukocytes from a normal donor, after passive sensitization with serum from patient M, released a substantial (greater than or equal to 50%) amount of histamine on challenge with extracts of coriander, mace, and curry powder. This study demonstrates that the inhalation of dust from spices can result in an IgE-mediated allergy toward these materials.