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Update: molecular diagnostics of allergies to vegetables and fruits

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Summary

Most studies on the prevalence of food allergy report regional data. Pan-European multicenter cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of food allergies such as investigated within the framework of the EuroPrevall project are unfortunately not yet published. Based on published data, however, allergies to fruits and vegetables are among the most prevalent in food allergies in adolescence and adulthood. The current review on molecular diagnostics of fruit and vegetable allergies summarizes data on allergen component-based diagnosis gained primarily from patients with challenge-confirmed food allergies and focuses on the most frequent fruit and vegetable allergies, such as to carrot, celeriac, tomato, kiwifruit and peach, as the most important representative of the Rosaceae fruits. Such studies indicate the impact of component-specific diagnostics on the improvement of sensitivity and partially also specificity of in vitro diagnostics of food allergy. Furthermore, identification of marker allergens associated with a higher risk of developing severe systemic reactions will continuously improve the future management of patients with food allergy.

Cite this as Ballmer-Weber BK, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K. Update: molecular diagnostics of allergies to vegetables and fruits. Allergo J Int 2014; 23: 24–34 DOI 10.1007/s40629-014-0002-8

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Abbreviations

DBPCFC:

Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge

FAD:

Flavin adenine dinucleotide

HLD:

Hevein-like domain

IgE:

Immunglobulin E

IUIS:

International Union of Immunological Societies

kDa:

Kilo-Dalton

LTP:

Lipid transfer protein

NSAID:

Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs

nsLTP:

Non-specific lipid transfer protein

OAS:

Oral allergy syndrome

PTP:

Prick to prick

SPT:

Skin prick test

TLP:

Thaumatin-like protein

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  1. Allergy Unit Department of Dermatology University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastraße 31, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Barbara K. Ballmer-Weber

  2. Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

    Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber

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  1. Barbara K. Ballmer-Weber
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Ballmer-Weber BK, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K. Update: molecular diagnostics of allergies to vegetables and fruits. Allergo J Int 2014; 23: 24–34 DOI 10.1007/s40629-014-0002-8

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Prof. Dr. Barbara Ballmer-Weber has received support and honoraria for lectures from Thermo-Fisher.

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Ballmer-Weber, B.K., Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K. Update: molecular diagnostics of allergies to vegetables and fruits. Allergo J Int 23, 24–34 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40629-014-0002-8

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