Recent Advances in the Allergic Cross-Reactivity between Fungi and Foods

Abstract

Airborne fungi are one of the most ubiquitous kinds of inhalant allergens which can result in allergic diseases. Fungi tend to grow in warm and humid environments with regional and seasonal variations. Their nomenclature and taxonomy are related to the sensitization of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Allergic cross-reactivity among different fungal species appears to be widely existing. Fungus-related foods, such as edible mushrooms, mycoprotein, and fermented foods by fungi, can often induce to fungus food allergy syndrome (FFAS) by allergic cross-reactivity with airborne fungi. FFAS may involve one or more target organs, including the oral mucosa, the skin, the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and the cardiovascular system, with various allergic symptoms ranging from oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to severe anaphylaxis. This article reviews the current knowledge on the field of allergic cross-reactivity between fungal allergens and related foods, as well as the diagnosis and treatment on FFAS.

Fungal Mycobiome of Mature Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Variety ‘Monterey’) Suggests a Potential Market Site Contamination with Harmful Yeasts

“…There are nine genera of clinically significant yeasts that are regularly isolated from naturally occurring soil-plant substrates: Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Geotrichum, Meyerozyma, Pichia, Candida, Trichosporon, Mallasezia, and Cryptococcus [51]. The most common mycological conditions related to yeast are dermatitis, alveolitis, rhinitis, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, and bronchial asthma [52]. Cryptococcus albidus was previously detected in strawberry fruits stored at 15 • C with impact on the fruit quality [2].…”

Fungi as a Source of Edible Proteins and Animal Feed

“…Cautiously choosing SCP producing organisms (e.g., fungi that produce mycotoxins cannot be chosen as they may cause allergic reactions, carcinogenesis, or even death) [ 176 ], the process conditions, and the product formulation will overcome toxins challenge. SCP RNA content could be decreased to acceptable levels.…”

Mycoprotein as a meat substitute: production, functional properties, and current challenges‐a review

“…This reaction is limited to a small percentage of individuals with mould allergies who respond to mycoprotein antigens as harmful foreign antigens (Whittaker et al, 2020;Awasthi et al, 2022). Xing et al (2022) performed a radioallergosorbent test to detect mycotoxins during mycoprotein production. Two workers had IgE antibodies ≥2%, but none exhibited related symptoms.…”

“…Xing et al . (2022) performed a radioallergosorbent test to detect mycotoxins during mycoprotein production. Two workers had IgE antibodies ≥2%, but none exhibited related symptoms.…”