Brassica oleracea pollen, a new source of occupational allergens

Allergy. 2006 Apr;61(4):498-502. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01055.x.

Abstract

Background: Vegetable pollen is a rare source of occupational allergens. Occupational allergy has only been described in the case of paprika pollen and tomato pollen. We describe a new source of occupational pollen allergy.

Aim: To study the incidence and the impact of broccoli and cauliflower pollen allergy in employees involved in classical plant breeding.

Methods: Fifty-four employees of five companies working with cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) and broccoli (B. oleracea italica/cymosa) pollen were eligible for complete evaluation. Allergy to cauliflower and broccoli pollen was evaluated by questionnaire and determination of sensitization by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and skin-prick tests (SPT). SPT and RAST were performed with a panel of commercial and homemade extracts from cauliflower and broccoli pollen.

Results: Work-related symptoms such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and urticaria caused by B. oleracea pollen were reported by 44% of the participants (24/54), of whom all but one had positive SPT for cauliflower- and/or broccoli-pollen/flower extracts and 58% (14/24) had positive RAST results. Symptoms had developed within the first 2 years in 33% of the patients. Six patients had to stop or change work.

Conclusions: Brassica oleracea pollen is a new source of occupational allergen with strong allergenic potential leading to symptoms in almost half of the exposed employees.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Brassica / immunology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Pollen / immunology*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / etiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Tests
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Allergens