Adult onset grape hypersensitivity causing life threatening anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND

Adverse reactions to foods are encountered much less frequently in adults than in the children. Adult onset hypersensitivity to grapes has not been previously reported.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of a case of anaphylaxis that occurred as a result of the consumption of white grapes (Vitis vinifera).

METHODS AND

RESULTS

A 28-year-old woman experienced generalized urticaria, facial/oropharyngeal angioedema, and dizziness after eating a bunch of white grapes. She was treated in an emergency room for anaphylaxis. Previously, she had experienced two similar episodes after eating white grapes. The grape prick skin tests were strongly positive forming a pseudopod type reaction. The total serum IgE was 1918 ng/mL. The grape-specific serum IgE was weakly positive by the modified RAST and negative in the Pharmacia-Upjohn Cap System.

CONCLUSION

Hypersensitivity to a commonly consumed fruit such as grapes can develop late in life causing a near-fatal anaphylaxis.