Allergic to Latex? Poinsettia Plants May Pose Risk

Newswise — Individuals with latex allergy should be cautious around poinsettia plants, since exposure may result in a severe allergic reaction, according to preliminary research findings presented by Peter M. Ranta, M.D., Augusta, Ga., at the recent Annual Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in New Orleans.

The ornamental poinsettia plant (Euphorbiaceae), popular during the Christmas holiday season, is part of the same plant family as natural rubber latex (NRL), which is obtained from the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Dr. Ranta and colleagues found two cross-reactive proteins in poinsettia extracts that correspond to proteins in natural rubber latex.

Dr. Ranta was able to pinpoint the allergenic proteins by extracting plant fluid from the poinsettia and mixing it with blood drawn from subjects sensitive to NRL. Of the latex sensitive sera, 40 percent (6/15) had poinsettia specific IgE, a blood protein indicative of an allergic reaction. The blood was later evaluated to pinpoint the common proteins prompting the allergic reactions using immunoblot inhibition. The technique permits scientists to separate proteins from a blood by blotting it on paper that can capture the different sized proteins at different heights of the sheet. Electricity causes the proteins to separate and migrate up the film. He used the pooled serum with IgE specific to both NRL and poinsettia and switched off allergen binding by poinsettia and NRL extracts. Through process of elimination he was able to define Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 10 as the common allergenic denominators between the two sources.

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., comprised of 4,963 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The College is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.