Airborne allergy to sunflower seed.

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that bird fanciers may develop airborne allergies to unusual allergens.

OBJECTIVE

To detect the allergen source in a bird fancier with a history of asthma associated with bird cage cleaning activities and with contact with a Brazil parrot.

METHODS

SPT with a large series of both airborne and food allergens were carried out. IgE reactivity to allergens causing wheal and flare reactions was confirmed by in-vitro investigations including ELISA/ELISA inhibition and immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

Strong skin reactivity to sunflower seed was observed. Immunoblot analysis showed IgE reactivity to low m.w. proteins, most probably 2S albumin, and ELISA inhibition studies showed the absence of cross-reactivity to mustard.

CONCLUSIONS

Sunflower seed dust may sensitize patients via the respiratory tract. Differently from previously reported cases of sunflower seed allergy, no cross-reactivity to 2S albumin from botanically unrelated seeds was found.