Bet v 1- and Bet v 2-Associated Plant Food Sensitization in Uganda and Germany: Differences and Similarities

Abstract

Abstract Background: Birch pollen allergy and concomitant plant food sensitization are well documented in Europe. However, there are currently no data available on pollen-associated plant food sensitization or even pollen allergy in tropical Af rica. Our study aimed to investigate Bet v 1- and Bet v 2-as sociated plant food sensitization in atopic patients from Uganda and compare it with sensitization rates in German patients. Methods: Sera from 83 Ugandan and 97 German atopic patients were analysed using UniCAP100 TM for aller gen-specific IgE against the birch tree pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 as well as the plant foods hazelnut, apple, kiwi, pea, peach, cherry, litchi, peanut, and soy. Results: As ex pected, sensitization to Bet v 1 and cross-reactive plant food allergens was more common in German atopic patients. In contrast, the prevalence of sensitization against Bet v 2 was remarkably similar in Ugandan and German patients. Inter estingly, in Ugandan patients we found IgE-mediated sensitization against plant foods such as hazelnut, pea, peach, cherry, and litchi that are neither cultivated nor consumed in Uganda. Conclusions: For Ugandan atopic patients, sensitization against the Bet v 2 allergen (a plant profilin) may explain cross-reactivity to several plant foods which are not consumed in Uganda. Additionally, it is probable that sensitization of Ugandan atopics to alder pollen ( Alnus acuminata , plant family Betulaceae) caused serological cross-reactivity with Betula verrucosa -related allergens.