Introduction
Raisin allergy is uncommon despite worldwide cultivation of grapes, which belong to the Vitis vinifera species of the Vitaceae family. There have only been rare reports of anaphylaxis in adults related to the consumption of grapes, wine or other grape products, mostly in Europe [1‐4]. In children, even fewer case reports to grape exist [5]. We report an 8-year-old patient who developed itching of the mouth and nausea within a few minutes of ingestion of fresh raisin on repeated occasions. Interestingly, he tolerates grapes.
Methods
Skin prick testing (via prick-by-prick method) to fresh seedless raisin, birch pollen, a mixture of trees, grass, and ragweed was performed on the patient. Skin prick testing to fresh seedless raisin (via prick-by-prick method) was also performed on a non-atopic healthy control.
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Results
Skin testing was positive to fresh seedless raisins (~5 mm) in our 8-year-old patient and negative in the healthy control. The patient was advised to avoid raisins and to carry an Epinephrine auto-injector. He was encouraged to continue to consume fresh grapes.
Conclusions
We report one of the first cases of presumed allergy to fresh raisin, in the absence of pollen food syndrome, in a North American patient who currently tolerates fresh grapes. Further research is required to determine the etiology and prevalence of this allergy. We propose that a chemical component used in the processing of raisins may be responsible for this allergy.
Consent
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this abstract and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this journal.
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