Evaluation of papain/chymopapain cross allergenicity

Recent clinical evidence suggests that papain and chymopapain may share common allergenicity. Patients that become sensitized to papain may subsequently experience an allergic reaction when they are exposed to chymopapain. This study demonstrates a cross antigenicity between the proteolytic enzyme preparations papain and chymopapain. Serum samples from six patients who demonstrated 4+ skin reactions to papain also revealed positive RAST ratios to both papain and chymopapain. In addition, serum samples from 12 clinically nonreactive patients who had discolysis with chymopapain demonstrated positive RAST results to papain as well as to chymopapain.