Immediate anaphylaxis after the ingestion of fig fruit (Ficus carica)

Rationale

Ficus carica is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ficus, from the family Moraceae, known as the common fig. Allergic anaphylactic reactions to fig fruit are scarcely reported.

Methods

A 50 year-old female experienced an episode of respiratory nasal and ocular symptoms (rhinoconjuntivitis) and severe abdominal pain immediately after the ingestion of a fig fruit. No bronchial symptoms were associated.

Results

Diagnostic work-up showed a positive prick-prick with both fresh raw and dried fig fruit with a total serum IgE of 312 UI/L and a significant serum specific IgE to fig fruit. Co-sensitization to rubber latex and tropical fruits and cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina latex, was also studied and a distinctive serum molecular allergy diagnostic profile (ISAC^®) was obtained. The patient did not consent to undergo a double blind placebo controlled challenge to fig fruit.

Conclusion

Herein we present the case of an IgE-mediated allergic anaphylactic reaction to fig fruit showing no cross-reactivity to rubber latex allergens.

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.