Oral Allergy Syndrome to Chicory Associated with Birch Pollen Allergy

Abstract

Background: A few cases of IgE-mediated chicory allergy with oral, cutaneous, and/or respiratory symptoms are reported. We present 4 patients with inhalant birch pollen allergy and oral allergy syndrome to chicory. IgE-binding proteins in chicory and cross-reactivity with birch pollen were studied. Methods: Chicory extract was prepared and immunoblotting was used to study IgE reactivity and cross-reactions with birch pollen. Results: The pattern of IgE binding to chicory was variable among the patients, with protein bands recognized at 18, 21, 40, 52 and 71 kD. Bet v 1-like proteins were detected in chicory by monoclonal antibody binding. Chicory-birch pollen cross-reactivity, as studied in 2 patients from whom enough serum was available, could be demonstrated but did not involve the Bet v 1 protein family. In one of these cases, a 51-kD protein of birch pollen was found to be responsible for cross-reactivity. Conclusions: Chicory should be added to the list of foods that can cross-react with birch pollen and cause the birch pollen-associated oral allergy syndrome.

The oral allergy syndrome: improved diagnostic and treatment methods

“…Cadot et al [21] reported on four subjects with OAS due to non-occupationally acquired chicory sensitization. He demonstrated that although those patients were sensitized to birch pollen and Bet v 1, other allergens could be the cause of their symptoms.…”

High-Throughput Flow Injection Analysis–Mass Spectrometry (FIA-MS) Fingerprinting for the Authentication of Tea Application to the Detection of Teas Adulterated with Chicory

“…They described that although chicory root gives a pleasant aroma when added to tea, it acts like a sedative on the central nervous system and could impair reaction time in some individuals. Besides, chicory can also trigger oral, cutaneous, and/or respiratory symptoms [ 20 ], and for that reason, its use as a non-declared adulterant in tea is prohibited.…”

Beef, Pork, and Milk Allergy (Cross Reactivity with Each Other and Pet Allergies)

“…Approximately 70% of patients who are allergic to birch pollen may experience symptoms after consumption of foods from these groups. 3,4 Likewise, IgE cross-reactivity has been identified be-tween house dust mites and snails. 5 The so-called latex-fruit syndrome also is a well-documented phenomenon in crossreactive allergies.…”