f210 Pineapple

Allergens within Food of Plant Origin

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  • Latin name: Ananas comosus
  • Family: Bromeliaceae
  • Source material: Whole fresh fruit
Food
Pineapple is a tropical fruit of a perennial herb. Hundreds of varieties exist but only a few are commercially important.

Allergen Exposure

Pineapple is a tropical fruit of a perennial herb. The name reflects its similarity to very large pine cones. Hundreds of varieties exist but only a few are commercially important.

Potential Cross-Reactivity

Cross-reactivity with Latex was demonstrated in a study with latex allergic patients, where 19% exhibited IgE antibodies to pineapple as demonstrated by Pharmacia CAP System (4). Cross-reactivity has also been found with Perennial Rye Grass Pollen, and with Papain (1-3).

Clinical Experience

Ingestion of pineapple has been reported to cause asthma, rhinitis and gastrointestinal symptoms (1-3). Angioedema and shock have also been observed (2, 4). One study reports pineapple as being one of the most common triggers of atopic dermatitis (5).
 
Review
Pineapple is a tropical fruit of a perennial herb. The name reflects its similarity to very large pine cones. Hundreds of varieties exist but only a few are commercially important. Ingestion of pineapple has been reported to cause asthma, rhinitis and gastrointestinal symptoms (1-3). Angioedema and shock have also been observed (2, 4). One study reports pineapple as being one of the most common triggers of atopic dermatitis (5).

Cross-reactivity with Latex was demonstrated in a study with latex allergic patients, where 19% exhibited IgE antibodies to pineapple as demonstrated by Pharmacia CAP System (4). Cross-reactivity has also been found with Perennial Rye Grass Pollen, and with Papain (1-3).

References:

    1. Baur X, Fruhmann G. Allergic reactions, including asthma, to the pineapple protease bromelain following occupational exposure. Clin Allergy 1979;9(5):443-50.
    2. Kabir I, Speelman P, Islam A. Systemic allergic reaction and diarrhoea after pineapple ingestion. Trop Geogr Med 1993;45(2):77-9.
    3. Pike RN, Bagarozzi D, Jr., Travis J. Immunological cross-reactivity of the major allergen from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Lol p I, and the cysteine proteinase, bromelain. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1997;112(4):412-4.
    4. Brehler R, Theissen U, Mohr C, Luger T. "Latex-fruit syndrome": frequency of cross-reacting IgE antibodies. Allergy 1997;52(4):404-10.
    5. Steinman HA, Potter PC. The precipitation of symptoms by common foods in children with atopic dermatitis. Allergy Proc 1994;15(4):203-10.

2000