title: Tomato nsLTP as an "In Vivo" Diagnostic Tool: Sensitization in a Mediterranean Population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tomato allergies have been extensively studied but component-resolved in vivo diagnosis with purified allergens has yet to be performed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to Sola l 3 in a Mediterranean population, and to compare the resulting sensitization profile with that of individuals sensitized to tomato, peach, and/or purified lipid transfer protein (LTP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sola l 3 was purified, characterized, and used to prepare skin prick tests (SPTs). Two groups of patients were selected. Group 1 consisted of patients with at least 1 positive SPT to tomato, peach, or LTP mixture (marker extracts) who were subsequently tested with Sola l 3 (n = 280). Group 2 (prevalence study) consisted of patients who underwent simultaneous SPT with the 3 marker extracts and Sola l 3 (n = 658). Patients from either group who were positive to any of the 4 extracts were studied in detail (study group, n = 1 23). ELISA and immunoblot assays were performed in individuals with a positive SPT to Sola l 3 to detect the presence of specific IgE antibodies to this allergen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of sensitization to Sola l 3 was 3.2% overall and 54.7% in tomato-positive patients. Most tomato-sensitized patients were asymptomatic. Symptoms were more common in Sola l 3-positive individuals. Sensitization to peach and the LTP mixture did not discriminate between Sola l 3-positive and Sola l 3-negative patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms that LTP, not only from peach but also from other fruit and vegetables, including tomato, is an important allergen in the Mediterranean area. Sensitization to Sola l 3 is associated with more symptoms in tomato-sensitized patients.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: López-Matas
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Larramendi
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Huertas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferrer
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moya
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pagán
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: García-Abujeta
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Carnés
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D052179:Antigens, Plant / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D027861:Prunus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D052179:Antigens, Plant; D015415:Biomarkers; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; C511920:lipid transfer proteins, plant; D007073:Immunoglobulin E