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Allergy to the coffee plant
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Allergy
|December 1, 1994
Summary
This study identifies a case of allergy to a potted coffee plant in an atopic individual. Diagnosis of this indoor plant allergy can be achieved using standard green coffee bean allergy tests.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Occupational respiratory allergy to green coffee beans is common in coffee roastery workers.
- Sensitization to indoor plants can trigger allergic reactions in atopic individuals.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old atopic female patient experienced rhinitis and conjunctivitis upon exposure to a decorative potted coffee plant.
- The patient was sensitized to the coffee plant, distinct from occupational exposure.
Findings:
- Diagnostic tests including skin prick test, Radioallergosorbent test (RAST), and rhinoconjunctival provocation test were positive for coffee leaf allergen extract.
- Commercially available RAST disks for green coffee beans proved effective for diagnosing allergy to the potted coffee plant.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of coffee plant allergy beyond occupational settings.
- It highlights the potential for indoor plants to act as allergens.
- Standard diagnostic tools for green coffee bean allergy may be applicable to identifying allergies to decorative coffee plants.