Sensitization to profilin in the Central region of Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Profilin is a panallergen found in pollens and fruits. Sensitization to this protein may explain some sensitization to multiple pollen species. We aimed to evaluate sensitization to profilin in patients suffering from respiratory allergy sensitized to pollens, in the Central region of Portugal. METHODS: Patients were evaluated for asthma symptoms, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and food allergy. Skin prick tests (SPT) to aeroallergens including 12 different pollens and profilin (nPho d 2) were performed. The patients were divided into two study groups according to the region of residence: A--inland region and B--coastal region. RESULTS: A total of 370 patients were evaluated (277-group A; 93-group B). 65.9% showed positive skin prick tests and 76.2% were positive to pollens (87.1%-group A; 42.85%-group B; p<0.0001). All the patients sensitized to pollens had rhinitis (p=0.001). Sensitization to profilin was associated with pollen sensitization (p=0.014). 43 patients were sensitized to profilin (40-group A; 3-group B; p=0.006). 21.0% of patients sensitized to pollens, were also sensitized to profilin. 39 patients were sensitized to at least two pollens (p<0.0001). Four profilin and pollen sensitized patients had oral allergy syndrome complaints to melon. This syndrome was related with profilin sensitization (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is advisable to perform SPT to profilin, particularly in the Inland region, for a better differential diagnosis between cross-reactivity and true sensitization to pollens. The results together with the medical history may support the choice for a specific immunotherapy option.