D1.135 - ”Bee Pollen” as a Potential Trigger for Anaphylaxis: A Case Study
Background
“Bee pollen” is a widely consumed supplement known for its nutritional benefits but can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.
The presence of diverse pollen species in bee pollen increases its allergenic potential.
This study investigates a case of anaphylaxis triggered by “bee pollen”, focusing on the allergenic profile of its components
Method
A 53-year-old male experienced intense oral pruritus, abdominal pain, and urticaria shortly after consuming a spoonful of “bee pollen”.
Skin prick tests revealed sensitization to olive pollen and several grass pollens. Specific IgE tests confirmed sensitization to yellow pollen components within the bee pollen, suspected to include aulaga, jara, or Sinapis spp.
The patient has a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis requiring occasional loratadine.
The bee pollen sample was separated by color, and protein extracts were obtained using PBS extraction, centrifugation, filtration, and lyophilization.
SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques identified allergenic profiles, while ELISA inhibition assays and the ALEX 2 platform evaluated IgE reactivity and cross-reactivity with olive and other pollens.
Results
The SDS-PAGE and Western blot revealed a protein band (~12 kDa) in the yellow fraction of bee pollen, which was recognized by the patient’s serum.
ELISA inhibition demonstrated significant cross-reactivity between the yellow fraction and olive pollen allergens, including Ole e 1, Ole e 7, and Ole e 9.
ALEX 2 inhibition confirmed total IgE binding inhibition to olive and ash pollen allergens when pre-incubated with the yellow fraction of bee pollen.
Conclusion
The findings confirm the presence of olive pollen within the yellow fraction of bee pollen.
This cross-reactivity explains the patient’s clinical symptoms and highlights the need for thorough allergenic profiling of bee pollen before consumption, especially for individuals sensitized to olive pollen.
These results underscore the importance of precise allergen identification to guide dietary and therapeutic recommendations for allergic patients.
