Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes): A poorly known allergen in Western countries responsible for severe work-related asthma

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the IgE-mediated pathogenesis of severe asthma presented by a patient only after handling shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms (SM). Material and Methods: Skin tests were performed using in-house extracts from mushrooms that the patient usually handled, i.e., shiitake, porcini, oyster and black fungus mushroom varieties. Specific IgE to champignons and various molds were determined. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) immunoblotting was performed to detect IgE-binding components. Four negative controls were included in the study. Results: Skin prick tests performed with in-house mushroom extracts from varieties other than shiitake were completely negative, in contrast to the positive test obtained for shiitake mushrooms. Serum specific IgE levels for common molds and champignons were all negative. SDS-PAGE revealed many protein bands in the four mushroom extracts. Immunoblotting using the patient's serum showed allergenic bands at about 15 and 24 kDa exclusively for SM that were not shared with negative controls. Another faint band was detectable at approximately 37 kDa for SM and porcini varieties. Conclusions: Here, we present the first European case of SM-induced occupational asthma, a disease more frequently occurring in Asia. Asthma attacks stopped when the patient avoided contact with shiitake mushrooms. No skin reactions and no IgE-binding proteins by immunoblotting were detectable with the other mushrooms tested. The positive skin test with shiitake mushrooms and IgE-binding components in the shiitake extract confirmed the IgE-mediated etiology of the reaction.

A Feasibility Study to Assess Imbrasia Belina (Mopane Worm) Sensitisation and Related Respiratory Health Outcomes in a Rural Community in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe

“…In order to perform SPT, a Mopane worm saline extract was prepared at the Biochemistry Department of the University of Zimbabwe. The use of in-house extracts and prick to prick testing is standard practice in allergy testing (33,34). Established guidelines for extract preparation were followed (35,36).…”

In silico tools to assess the potential allergenicity of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)

“…Pravettoni et al . indicated the development of symptoms of severe obstructive airways disease in mushroom packaging worker and demonstrated an IgE‐mediated etiology 22 . Another case study manifested food allergy as esophageal symptoms upon consumption of shiitake mushroom and in vitro assays validated the allergenic properties of the mushroom 23 …”

“…Pravettoni et al indicated the development of symptoms of severe obstructive airways disease in mushroom packaging worker and demonstrated an IgE-mediated etiology. 22 Another case study manifested food allergy as esophageal symptoms upon consumption of shiitake mushroom and in vitro assays validated the allergenic properties of the mushroom. 23 The presence of different dietary habits and food-processing methods worldwide has increased the prevalence of food-related proteins and their associated allergies.…”

Rare Skin Localization of the Mite: Can it be a house dust mite?

“…These include factors like genetic tendency, exposure route, allergen dose and structural characteristics of the person (Cekic and Sapan, 2015;Reithofer and Jahn-Schmid, 2017). Additionally, common allergen sources include feces of dust mites and cockroaches, hair from cats and dogs and mould spores (Reithofer and Jahn-Schmid, 2017;Sokol et al, 2017;Raap et al, 2011;Pravettoni et al,2014).…”