1/6. urticaria and rhinitis to shrubs of ficus benjamina and breadfruit in a banana-allergic road worker: evidence for a cross-sensitization between Moracea, banana and latex.BACKGROUND: We report the case of a road worker with a food allergy to banana, who developed urticaria and rhinitis when cutting shrubs of ficus benjamina and breadfruit. He did not develop an allergy to latex of hevea brasiliensis. RESULTS: Sensitization to latex of F. benjamina, H. brasiliensis, breadfruit and banana was demonstrated using skin tests and specific IgE measurements. RAST inhibitions procedures showed that specific IgE to breadfruit latex cross-reacted more strongly with latex of H. brasiliensis and banana than with latex of F. benjamina with the same extract. CONCLUSION: Given the wide distribution of Moracea trees in tropical regions, sensitization to latex of H. brasiliensis and banana could be a consequence of sensitization to Moracea members; F. benjamina does not seem to be the only Moracea responsible for cross-allergy with latex and fruit. Consequently, it seems interesting to test other members of the Moracea family in patients sensitized to latex of H. brasiliensis and banana. Sensitization to breadfruit could be a risk factor for sensitization to latex of H. brasiliensis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = tree (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/6. life-threatening facial edema due to pine caterpillar mimicking an allergic event.BACKGROUND: Approximately 150 species of lepidoptera have been described as causing damage to human skin. One of these species is the pine processionary caterpillar, which is responsible for dermatitis, contact urticaria, ocular lesions and rarely respiratory signs and anaphylactic reactions through IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated mechanisms. We report a pediatric case of severe orofacial edema mimicking an allergic reaction after ingestion of a pine processionary caterpillar; urgent airway intubation was required. CASE REPORT: A 15-month-old boy was sleeping under a pine tree when his mother noted a pine caterpillar on his tongue. Because of rapidly developing facial swelling and respiratory distress, the infant was first taken to a local hospital where he received intravenous dexamethasone and pheniramine hydrogen maleate. On arrival at our emergency department, diffuse swelling and edema involving the tongue, perioral, nasal and perimandibular regions, and neck was noted, requiring urgent orotracheal intubation. There were no findings of anaphylaxis. The results of skin prick tests and specific IgE to common aero- and food allergens were negative. A skin prick test with extract of pine caterpillar was also negative. prednisolone and pheniramine hydrogen maleate were administered for 7 days. The child gradually improved and was successfully extubated 4 days later. CONCLUSION: Although oral contact with a pine processionary caterpillar in the form of ingestion is rare, it may cause significant local reaction and airway compromise mimicking an allergic event. In this situation, early intubation to maintain airway patency is a life-saving measure.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = tree (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/6. Contact urticaria and rhinitis from latex surgical gloves.latex used in the manufacture of surgical gloves should be included in a list of allergens. It is found in the tree hevea braziliensis. For approximately the last year, minutes after using surgical gloves, a female doctor had severe pruritus followed by a rash and angio-oedema of the contact areas. During the last 4 months, on opening the glove-bag, she experienced severe rhinitis and respiratory distress. The symptoms ceased in 1 h. Standard patch tests and with substances used in the manufacture of rubber were negative. Prick tests with glove and natural latex were strongly positive. The presence of specific IgE against natural latex was demonstrated by means of a histamine release assay as well as by immunoenzymatic methods. The antigen seems to have a MW higher than 30,000 d and is trypsin-sensitive. These facts suggest that the allergen could be a protein present in the "crude natural latex".- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = tree (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/6. Development of pollinosis after ingestion of pollen.We describe the case of a patient who developed distinct allergic reactions after the ingestion of commercially available "pollen food", while according to the history there had been no previous complaints to aero-pollen. By both in vivo as well as in vitro testing a simultaneous sensitivity to grass, tree and weed pollen, as well as to the main components of "pollen food" rock rose and viper buglows pollen could be proven. With the help of RAST-inhibition, cross-reactions between the different pollen allergens were traceable. In the pollen season after the allergic incident, the patient developed pollinosis symptoms for the first time, which intensified in the following season. On these grounds, we believe that (1) the repeated ingestion of "pollen food" resulted in a sensitization against its allergens and, due to the cross-reactions, against aero pollen allergens as well and that (2) an "allergic breakthrough" caused the manifestation of pollinosis symptoms.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = tree (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/6. Severe urticaria caused by a moth Euproctis sp. (lepidoptera: Lymantriidae).The urticating hairs of a moth Euproctis sp., were found to be the cause of a severe urticarial and pruritic rash in an expatriate family. Such incidents are probably not uncommon in papua new guinea, and are best solved by destroying the food tree of the caterpillars where this is feasible.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = tree (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/6. Caterpillar dermatitis.A 3-year-old girl presented with recurrent urticarial eruptions presumed due to infestation of her garden with Euproctis edwardsi, Euproctis edwardsi, the mistletoe browntail moth is a variety of hairy caterpillar widely distributed in south-eastern australia. They are often called 'woolly bears' by children. These caterpillars possess barbed hairs that fragment readily and are difficult to extract from the skin in one piece. Itching urticarial wheals and papular eruptions can follow contact with the caterpillars or their detached hairs. The hairlets may be identified by microscopy from skin scrapings and can be removed by tape stripping or with the aid of fine forceps. The skin lesions are treated symptomatically with calamine lotion, sodium bicarbonate solution and antihistamines. Infestation with Euproctis edwardsi can be minimized by removal of mistletoe from eucalyptus trees and by spraying affected areas with white oil or carbaryl 0.1%.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = tree (Clic here for more details about this article) |