Identification of allergens in coconut milk and oil with patients sensitized to coconut milk in Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND: Despite the low prevalence of IgE sensitivity to fresh or boiled coconut milk and coconut oil, those may contain allergens of which the clinical significance remains undetermined.

This study aimed to identify and compare allergens in fresh coconut milk (FCM), boiled coconut milk (BCM), unrefined wet-processed coconut oil (WPCO), and dry-processed coconut oil (DPCO) using sera from patients with allergy to coconut milk.

METHODS: The study included 18 patients with immediate hypersensitivity to coconut milk, including five who developed anaphylaxis.

Sensitization was assessed by skin prick test and ImmunoCAPs using commercially available coconut extracts.

Immunoblotting was performed to identify and compare allergen profiles.

RESULTS: Total sIgE levels and overall IgE reactivity of patients with anaphylaxis were higher compared to patients with allergy.

Twelve allergens ranging from 5 to 128 kDa including six novel allergens with 5, 12, 47, 87, 110, and 128 kDa were visualized in immunoblots with FCM.

Similarly, nine allergens of 5, 12, 17, 32, 35, 47, 87, 110, and 128 kDa were detected in BCM.

One allergen (110 kDa) was discerned in all four extracts.

Higher IgE prevalence was detected with three allergens of 55, 87, and 110 kDa.

CONCLUSIONS: Allergens of BCM and unrefined coconut oil (WPCO and DPCO) were determined for the first time.

Novel allergens of 87 and 110 kDa and the 55 kDa allergen have the highest potential to be used in Component Resolved Diagnostics.

Further, these findings demonstrate that, patients who have an allergy to coconut milk could also react to boiled coconut milk and unrefined coconut oil.