A Case of Latex-fruit Syndrome in a Patient with Latex Anaphylaxis

Abstract

Latex allergy is an important occupational health issue among health care workers. It is well known that significant cross-reactions are present between latex allergens and several fruits, including banana most commonly, followed by avocado, kiwi and chestnut, which is called the latex-fruit syndrome. A 36-year-old female patient visited our hospital with recurrent urticaria and angioedema after eating some fruits. She experienced episodes of anaphylaxis after eating banana or wearing latex gloves when working as a nurse in the delivery room 7 years ago. Allergy skin prick tests showed positive responses to banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut extracts, and high serum-specific IgE to latex and banana were noted by the Immuno-CAP system and ELISA. Cross-reactivity between latex and banana was confirmed by the ELISA-inhibition test. Therefore, we report the case of latex-fruit syndrome presented in a patient with latex anaphylaxis.