UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Interesting Latex Allergy Cross-Reactivity

Category: Toxicology

Keywords: latex, allergy, kiwi, cross-reactivity (PubMed Search)

Posted: 4/13/2011 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 4/14/2011)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

Kiwi fruit and latex share several antigens in common.  Thus, individuals who are allergic to either kiwi or latex may also suffer hypersensitivity reactions to the other material.

References

Murali MR, et al. Case 9-2011: A 37-year old man with flushing and hypotension. N Engl J Med 2011;364(12):1155-65.