Asia Pac Allergy.
2019 Jul;9(3):e25. 10.5415/apallergy.2019.9.e25.
Cross-reactivity of pink peppercorn in cashew and pistachio allergic individuals
- Affiliations
-
- 1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore, Singapore.
- 2Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
- 3Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore. mohana_rajakulendran@nuhs.edu.sg
- KMID: 2454159
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2019.9.e25
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
The Pink peppercorn belongs to the same Anacardiaceae family as cashew and pistachio. However, the cross-reactivity of pink peppercorn with cashew and pistachio has yet to be studied. To date, there has been a single case report of anaphylaxis to pink peppercorn in a cashew and pistachio allergic individual.
OBJECTIVE
We aim to demonstrate cross-sensitization to pink peppercorn in cashew and/or pistachio allergic children.
METHODS
A small descriptive cohort study looking at cross-sensitization of pink peppercorn in cashew and/or pistachio allergic children was conducted. Children with a history of reaction to pistachio and/or cashew nut underwent skin prick tests to the pink peppercorn species Schinus terebinthifolius to determine cross-sensitization.
RESULTS
Out of the 21 cashew and/or pistachio allergic subjects, 16 (76.2%) demonstrated cross-sensitization to pink peppercorn. None of the subjects had any knowledge of previous exposure or allergic reactions to pink peppercorn. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates potential cross-reactivity between pink peppercorn and cashew and pistachio. While an oral food challenge to pink peppercorn would have been important in demonstrating clinical cross-reactivity, this was not performed due to ethical constraints. We hope to increase the awareness of pink peppercorn as a potential and hidden source of allergen and encourage further studies to demonstrate the clinical cross-reactivity and to better delineate the major allergen involved.
