Green bean hypersensitivity: An occupational allergy in a homemaker

• Published in: Journal of allergy and clinical immunology Vol. 94; no. 1; pp. 33 - 35
• Main Authors: Igea, Juan Manuel, Fernandez, Montserrat, Quirce, Santiago, de la Hoz, Belen, Diez Gomez, Maria Luz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01-07-1994; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Allergens - adverse effects; Allergic diseases; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchial Provocation Tests; contact urticaria; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - diagnosis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - etiology; Fabaceae - immunology; Female; Green bean; Humans; Immunopathology; inhalation; Medical sciences; occupational asthma; Occupational Diseases - diagnosis; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Plants, Medicinal; Respiratory and ent allergic diseases; Respiratory Hypersensitivity - diagnosis; Respiratory Hypersensitivity - etiology; Skin Tests; Urticaria - diagnosis; Urticaria - etiology; contact urticaria; inhalation; occupational asthma; Green bean; Human; Immunopathology; Allergy; Respiratory disease; Occupational exposure; Asthma; Bean; Etiology; Obstructive pulmonary disease; Immediate hypersensitivity; Occupational medicine; Food; Allergen
• ISSN: 0091-6749; 1097-6825
• DOI: 10.1016/0091-6749(94)90068-X

As a member of the legume family, the green bean is frequently associated with food allergy. However, allergic reactions caused by skin contact or by inhalation of vapors from boiling legumes are rare. This article presents a case of occupational asthma in a homemaker; symptoms occurred during preparation and cooking of raw green beans. Skin prick, rub, and bronchial provocation tests were performed on the patient. In vitro tests were done with the serum samples of the patient and 10 control subjects (5 atopic and 5 nonatopic). Test results indicate that the patient has type I hypersensitivity to raw green bean antigen(s). This case is of interest because it demonstrates that a food allergen, when inhaled, can induce respiratory symptoms in sensitized patients and may even be the source of primary sensitization. (J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1994;94:33-5.)