Brazil nut allergy K52.1

The allergological relevance of the Brazil nut is low. Sensitization is usually against the major allergen Ber e 1, a heat-stable storage protein resistant to proteolytic digestion enzymes. It is generally known that the detection of specific IgE against storage proteins of nuts(hazelnut, walnut, pecan nut, almond, cashew, pistachio, Brazil nut) can be associated with the risk of severe allergic reactions.

In contrast, patients who are sensitized to one of the minor allergens rarely show clinical symptoms.

Severe allergic reactions have only been described sporadically. Oral allergy syndrome is not entirely rare. Some Brazil nut allergy sufferers have an intolerance to other nuts, sometimes also to peanuts. There is also a cross-reaction (cross-allergy) to birch pollen.

Identified and accepted allergens of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut)

• Ber e 1 2S - Albumin (Sulfur-rich seed storage albumin)
• Ber e 2 11S globulin seed storage protein

1. Murtagh GJ et al (2003) In vitro stability and immunoreactivity of the native and recombinant plant food 2S albumins Ber e 1 and SFA-8 Clin Exp Allergy 33:1147-1152.
2. Rayes H et al (2016) Specific IgE to recombinant protein (Ber e 1) for the diagnosis of Brazil nut allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 46:654-656.
3. of Boxtel EL et al (2008) Heat denaturation of Brazil nut allergen Ber e 1 in relation to food processing. Food Chem 110:904-908.