Cross-reactivity between royal jelly and Dermato-phagoides
pteronyssinus
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Royal jelly (RJ) is a secretion of the hypopharyngeal and
mandibular glands of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera). Approximately one-half
of its dry weight consists of protein; other components are fatty acids,
sugars, and vitamins. It is used as a health tonic, widely consumed in Asia,
with believed benefits that range from promoting growth in children to
improving general health status and enhancing longevity in the elderly.
Severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis and asthma have been
reported especially in the adult population.1, 2
We present the only reported case of allergy to RJ which
suggests the presence of cross-reactive allergenic epitopes in RJ and
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
An 11-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency
department, presenting with dysphonia, cough, wheezing, and eyelid angioedema.
She was treated with intravenous diphenhydramine and steroids, which resulted
in prompt resolution of her symptoms. Two hours before this reaction she had
ingested a beverage made of crude RJ and fructose, and she had taken an
ibuprofen 30 minutes before drinking the beverage to treat an upper respiratory
tract infection. It was the first time she had RJ, and she had tolerated
ibuprofen previously…
In summary, RJ may cause allergic reactions in atopic
persons, especially in those patients allergic to D pteronyssinus, given the
presence of cross-reactive epitopes in both allergens.
2 comments:
After having read this article I am wondering what an alternaive would b for someone who IS allergic to dust mites, yet wants to use it for Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Blood sugar, blood pressure & prevention of soft tissue damage.
What is the reported % of this occurrence? Is there a test dose?
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