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Patch Testing with Propolis of Different Geographical Origins in a Baseline Series
Gunnar S A Nyman1, Ana Maria Giménez-Arnau, Jurate Grigaitiene
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gröna stråket 16, SE-413 46 Göteborg, Sweden. nyman@cutis.nu.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|October 19, 2021
Summary
Geographical origin does not significantly impact propolis allergy rates. Testing with one propolis type misses many allergies, and co-reactions to other substances are common in allergic patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Propolis chemical composition varies geographically.
- The impact of this variation on propolis allergy frequency is unknown.
- Understanding geographical influences is crucial for accurate allergy diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of contact allergy to propolis from different geographical origins.
- To identify concomitant allergic reactions in propolis-sensitive patients.
- To assess the diagnostic yield of single propolis preparations.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing 1,470 dermatitis patients from Denmark, Lithuania, and Spain.
- Utilizing propolis samples from China, Lithuania, North America, and Sweden.
- Including a baseline series for comprehensive allergy screening.
Main Results:
- Patch test reactions to propolis ranged from 1.3% to 5.8%.
- No significant differences in allergy frequency were found between the four propolis types.
- A single propolis type detected less than half of propolis-allergic individuals.
- Concomitant reactions to Myroxylon pereirae resin, colophonium, and Fragrance Mix I occurred in 12.5%–50.0% of allergic patients.
Conclusions:
- Geographical origin does not appear to influence propolis contact allergy frequency.
- Comprehensive allergy testing requires multiple propolis types.
- Co-existing allergies to other common allergens are frequent in propolis-allergic individuals.
