Anaphylaxis across Europe: are pollen food syndrome and lipid transfer protein allergy so far apart?

Abstract

Purpose of reviewTraditionally pollen-food syndrome (PFS) is considered to be a mild cross-reacting food allergy affecting only Northern Europe, with lipid transfer protein (LTP) allergy being more severe and mainly occurring in Southern Europe. This review seeks to update the reader on both types of plant food allergy and to determine whether the stereotypical presentations of these plant food allergies remain the same, with a particular focus on reaction severity. Recent findingsRecent findings suggest that both these types of plant food allergy occur in children and adults. Although it is true that PFS allergy is more prevalent in Northern Europe and LTP allergy is more well known in Southern Europe, these conditions are not hidebound by geography, and the increasing spread and allergenicity of pollen due to global warming continues to change their presentation. Both conditions have a spectrum of symptom severity, with PFS sometimes presenting with more severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis and LTP allergy with milder reactions.

COBRAPed cohort: Do sensitization patterns differentiate children with severe asthma from those with a milder disease?

“…This association of nsLTP sensitization with asthma severity has not been described elsewhere. This may result, at least partially, from the high geographical variation in the prevalence of nsLTP sensitization 19–21 . Sensitization toward nsLTP from pollen and food was observed.…”

“…This may result, at least partially, from the high geographical variation in the prevalence of nsLTP sensitization. [19][20][21] Sensitization toward nsLTP from pollen and food was observed. It is yet to be determined whether sensitization to nsLTP primarily occurs through pollen or food exposure.…”

“…It is yet to be determined whether sensitization to nsLTP primarily occurs through pollen or food exposure. 20 Although these results need confirmation, they highlight how geographical variation might affect asthma severity.…”

Platelet‐activating factor as an endogenous cofactor of food anaphylaxis

“…The proteins have cross-reacting nature. 12,13 The impressive study by Baseggio et al 8 also showed that anaphylaxis is caused by different foods in the different regions of the world. Recent epidemiological data indicate that Black children have higher rates of food allergy relative to other racial/ethnic groups.…”

“…LTPs, widespread distributed in the plant kingdom and also are responsible for number of food‐induced anaphylactic reactions. The proteins have cross‐reacting nature 12,13 …”