Latex allergy cross-reactivity commonly involves which fruit?

Latex allergy cross-reactivity commonly involves which fruit?

• A. Oranges
• B. Bananas
• C. Grapes
• D. Pineapple

Answer: (B)

Latex allergy can cross-react with certain fruits because some fruit proteins resemble latex proteins closely enough that the same IgE antibodies bind to both. This latex–fruit syndrome means that people with latex sensitivity may react to foods containing similar proteins, with banana being the classic example. The shared proteins, including certain class I chitinases and related pan-allergens, trigger symptoms when the fruit is eaten, even though the fruit itself isn’t latex. While other fruits like avocado, kiwifruit, and chestnut can also cross-react, banana is the most commonly implicated in this cross-reactivity pattern. The other fruits listed are less typically associated with latex allergy, so banana stands out as the best answer.

Latex allergy can cross-react with certain fruits because some fruit proteins resemble latex proteins closely enough that the same IgE antibodies bind to both. This latex–fruit syndrome means that people with latex sensitivity may react to foods containing similar proteins, with banana being the classic example. The shared proteins, including certain class I chitinases and related pan-allergens, trigger symptoms when the fruit is eaten, even though the fruit itself isn’t latex. While other fruits like avocado, kiwifruit, and chestnut can also cross-react, banana is the most commonly implicated in this cross-reactivity pattern. The other fruits listed are less typically associated with latex allergy, so banana stands out as the best answer.