The Allergy Profile (Stone Fruit/Rosaceae Family) Blood Test is designed to detect allergic reactions to fruits in the Rosaceae family, which includes stone fruits and other related fruits. These fruits can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are also allergic to pollen due to cross-reactivity, a condition known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).

Purpose of the Stone Fruit/Rosaceae Family Allergy Test

  • To detect IgE-mediated allergic reactions to fruits in the Rosaceae family.
  • To diagnose Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), where certain fruit allergies are linked to pollen allergies (especially birch pollen).
  • To guide management and avoidance of specific fruits for people who experience allergic reactions after consumption.

Common Fruits in the Rosaceae Family Tested

  1. Stone Fruits:
    • Peach
    • Plum
    • Cherry
    • Apricot
  2. Other Rosaceae Fruits:
    • Apple
    • Pear
    • Raspberry
    • Strawberry
    • Almonds (although technically a nut, almonds belong to the same botanical family)

Types of Allergies Detected by the Test

  1. IgE-Mediated Fruit Allergy:
    • This occurs when the immune system reacts to specific proteins found in stone fruits, producing IgE antibodies. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, hives, gastrointestinal discomfort, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
  2. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS):
    • A mild allergic reaction typically limited to the mouth and throat, often due to cross-reactivity between pollen allergens (such as birch or grass) and similar proteins in stone fruits.
    • Common symptoms include itching or swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat after eating raw fruits from the Rosaceae family.
    • Cooking or peeling the fruit can reduce or eliminate symptoms, as cooking denatures the proteins responsible for the cross-reactivity.

Types of Stone Fruit Allergy Blood Tests

  1. Specific IgE Testing:
    • Measures the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood against individual fruits, such as peach, cherry, apple, etc.
    • A positive result indicates that the immune system has developed an allergic response to one or more fruits from the Rosaceae family.
  2. Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD):
    • A more advanced form of testing that identifies specific proteins within the fruits responsible for the allergy.
    • This can differentiate between genuine allergies to fruit and cross-reactivity due to pollen-related proteins.
    • For example, the protein Pru p 1 in peach is homologous to Bet v 1, a birch pollen protein, and may cause symptoms in people with birch pollen allergies.

Symptoms of Stone Fruit and Rosaceae Family Allergies

  • Mild Symptoms (OAS):
    • Itchy or tingling mouth, lips, or throat.
    • Mild swelling of the lips or tongue after consuming raw fruit.
    • Symptoms typically occur within minutes of eating the raw fruit and often subside quickly.
  • Moderate to Severe Symptoms:
    • Hives, rash, or swelling on the skin.
    • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
    • In rare cases, severe reactions like anaphylaxis can occur, particularly if the allergy is more systemic.

Cross-Reactivity with Pollen Allergies

  • People who are allergic to birch pollen, grass pollen, or ragweed may experience cross-reactivity with certain fruits from the Rosaceae family. This is due to similarities between the proteins found in pollen and those in the fruits.
    • Birch pollen: Associated with peach, apple, and cherry allergies.
    • Grass pollen: Associated with reactions to peaches and plums.

Diagnosis and Management

  1. Oral Food Challenge:
    • If the IgE test is positive, an oral food challenge may be conducted under medical supervision to confirm the diagnosis.
  2. Avoidance:
    • Avoid raw fruits that trigger reactions. In many cases, peeling or cooking the fruit can help reduce or prevent allergic reactions by denaturing the proteins responsible for the allergy.
  3. Cross-Reactivity Management:
    • For individuals with OAS, managing the underlying pollen allergy (such as through allergen immunotherapy) can sometimes reduce fruit-related symptoms.
  4. Emergency Plan:
    • In cases of severe fruit allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is recommended for use in case of an anaphylactic reaction.
  5. Desensitisation:
    • In rare cases, oral immunotherapy (OIT) may be considered to desensitize the patient to the allergenic fruit, though this is more common for life-threatening food allergies like peanuts.

When Is This Test Recommended?

  • For individuals who experience allergic reactions (e.g., itching, swelling, hives, or gastrointestinal discomfort) after eating stone fruits or other fruits from the Rosaceae family.
  • For people with known pollen allergies, especially to birch pollen, who develop OAS symptoms when consuming certain fruits.
  • To determine which specific fruits trigger allergic reactions and guide dietary avoidance.

An Allergy Profile (Stone Fruit/Rosaceae Family) Blood Test is a key diagnostic tool for identifying allergies to fruits in the Rosaceae family, allowing for proper management and prevention of allergic reactions. Working with an allergist can ensure accurate interpretation of results and an appropriate treatment plan.

Results – 2 days from Laboratory receiving sample

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