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A case of white bean allergy
Teruaki Matsui1, Nayu Sato2,3, Masashi Nakamura2,3
1Department of Allergy, Allergy and Immunology Center, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Obu, Japan.
Asia Pacific Allergy
|December 14, 2023
Summary
This study reports a rare case of white bean allergy in a child with Down syndrome, identifying specific allergens. Further research is needed to explore the link between Down syndrome and legume allergies.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Case Study
- Food Science
Background:
- White bean allergy is infrequently documented in medical literature.
- Individuals with Down syndrome may present unique health considerations, including potential sensitivities.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old girl with Down syndrome experienced allergic reactions after consuming white beans.
- Diagnostic tests, including ImmunoCAP assay and skin prick tests, confirmed white bean-specific IgE.
- An oral food challenge with white beans elicited systemic allergic symptoms such as urticaria and hypotension.
Findings:
- Phytohemagglutinin, group 3 late embryogenesis abundant protein, lipoxygenase, and legumin were identified as white bean allergens.
- Several novel candidate allergenic proteins were detected using western blotting and mass spectrometry.
- Sensitization was primarily linked to white, runner, or azuki beans, with limited cross-reactivity to tolerated soybeans.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for systemic allergic reactions to white beans, particularly in children with Down syndrome.
- The identification of specific allergens provides a basis for future research into white bean hypersensitivity.
- Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the relationship between Down syndrome and the risk of legume allergies.
