title: Cannabis Allergy: What do We Know Anno 2015.
abstract: For about a decade, IgE-mediated cannabis (marihuana) allergy seems to be on the rise. Both active and passive exposure to cannabis allergens may lead to a cannabis sensitization and/or allergy. The clinical manifestations of a cannabis allergy can vary from mild to life-threatening reactions, often depending on the route of exposure. In addition, sensitization to cannabis allergens can trigger various secondary cross-allergies, mostly for plant-derived food. This clinical entity, which we have designated as the "cannabis-fruit/vegetable syndrome" might also imply cross-reactivity with tobacco, latex and plant-food derived alcoholic beverages. These secondary cross-allergies are mainly described in Europe and appear to result from cross-reactivity between non-specific lipid transfer proteins or thaumatin-like proteins present in Cannabis sativa and their homologues that are ubiquitously distributed throughout plant kingdom. At present, diagnosis of cannabis-related allergies rests upon a thorough history completed with skin testing using native extracts from buds and leaves. However, quantification of specific IgE antibodies and basophil activation tests can also be helpful to establish correct diagnosis. In the absence of a cure, treatment comprises absolute avoidance measures including a stop of any further cannabis (ab)use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ine
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Decuyper
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Hanne
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ryckebosch
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Athina L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Van Gasse
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sabato
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Margaretha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faber
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Chris H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Bridts
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Campus Drie Eiken T.595, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium. didier.ebo@uantwerpen.be.
authors.forename: Didier G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Ebo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D052179:Antigens, Plant / Q000276:immunology*; D015549:Basophil Degranulation Test; D002188:Cannabis / Q000276:immunology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D052179:Antigens, Plant; C525922:Can s 3 allergen, Cannabis sativa; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; C511920:lipid transfer proteins, plant; D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: Allergy; Basophil activation; CD63; Can s 3; Cannabis; Cross-reactivity; Diagnosis; IgE; Prevalence