[Monascus purpureus: a new fungus of allergenic relevance].

Anaphylactic reactions to food containing allergens in the consumption or preparation of food are well known. However, allergy in the preparation of sausages have rarely been described. In the present study a 26-year-old butcher was investigated who had a severe anaphylactic reaction developing sneezing, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, generalised pruritus, followed by widespread urticaria, Quincke's oedema and dyspnoe after starting to prepare sausages containing red yield rice. Red yield rice is produced from polished and washed rice by means of the fungus Monascus purpureus. It was the first time that Monascus purpureus could be shown as allergic agent by means of prick-to-prick test, Cellular Antigen Stimulation Test (CAST) and different other immunoblots.