Bet v 1 allergen is the driver of food allergy in both birch and grass
pollen allergic patients
Abstract
Background: There is in Europe variations in geographical exposures,
sensitizations and related clinical allergic manifestations to pollens.
This study analyzed the molecular profile of allergen sensitization of a
cohort of birch and/or grass pollen allergic patients with or without
pollen-related food allergy. Methods: Patients with birch and/or grass
allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and/or asthma were included and submitted
to standardized questionnaire, skin prick tests (aeroallergens and fresh
foods) and serum IgE assays. Results: Based on clinical history, 74
patients were included with birch (n=10), grass (n=31) or mixed (n=34)
pollen allergy. Mono-sensitization to pollen was seen in 10 % of
patients. In the birch allergic group, Bet v 1 was the major allergen
(100 %); 50 % were co-sensitized to grass pollen and 80 % had a plant
food allergy. In the grass allergic group, 50 % were co-sensitized to
birch pollen; major allergens were rPhl p 1, nPhl p 4, rPhl p 2, rPhl p
5 b, rPhl p 6 while 32 % had a plant food allergy. In the mixed pollen
allergic population, rBet v 1, rPhl p 1, nPhl p 4, rPhl p 5b and rPhl p
2 were major allergens, and food allergy was present in 76 %. In the 3
groups, patients with food allergy (mainly oral allergy syndrome) had a
stronger and higher prevalence of IgE-sensitization to birch pollen and
Bet v 1 allergen. Conclusions: IgE sensitization to birch pollen is
frequent in grass allergic patients: Bet v 1 represents a marker of
cross-plant food allergy.