Which food may cause latex-food syndrome in patients with a latex allergy?

Which food may cause latex-food syndrome in patients with a latex allergy?

• A. Bananas
• B. Beef
• C. Rice
• D. Bread

Answer: (A)

Latex-fruit syndrome occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in latex that are similar to proteins found in certain fruits. Bananas are a classic trigger because they contain proteins that cross-react with latex proteins (shared epitopes such as class I chitinases and related pan-allergens). For someone with a latex allergy, this cross-reactivity can cause symptoms after eating bananas, even if the reaction isn’t due to direct latex exposure. Beef, rice, and bread are not typically associated with this cross-reactivity, so they’re less likely to provoke a latex-related reaction.

Latex-fruit syndrome occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in latex that are similar to proteins found in certain fruits. Bananas are a classic trigger because they contain proteins that cross-react with latex proteins (shared epitopes such as class I chitinases and related pan-allergens). For someone with a latex allergy, this cross-reactivity can cause symptoms after eating bananas, even if the reaction isn’t due to direct latex exposure.

Beef, rice, and bread are not typically associated with this cross-reactivity, so they’re less likely to provoke a latex-related reaction.