FOOD ALLERGY TO KIWI FRUIT IN CHILDREN

The authors report two pediatric cases of immediate allergy to kiwi fruit, Actinidia chinensis. These involved a 3-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl who rapidly developed IgE-dependent allergic manifestations after handling and/or ingestion of the fruit. Skin prick-tests using an extract of the pulp of the fruit or a commercial allergenic extract were positive, as were assays of specific serum IgE (class I). In one case, concomitant sensitivity to cat dander and grass pollens was noted. Avoidance enabled recovery in one case, with a 4 year follow-up. A review of the available literature reveals at least 20 cases in adults, all women.