Peanut allergy in the mediterranean area

Allergy to peanut is becoming a significant health problem particularly in westernized countries. The prevalence of peanut allergy has increased and varies between 0.5-1.5%. The symptoms can be presented early in life and range from mild oral syndrome to anaphylactic reactions. Eleven peanut allergens have been described and recognized by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Nomenclature Subcommittee named from Ara h 1 to Ara h 11. No clear allergenic differences have been found between peanuts from different parts of the world. For example, in the United States, Spain, and Sweden, the peanuts consumed are typically dry roasted, on the other hand, in China, peanuts are eaten mainly boiled or fried. Perhaps this can be one of the reasons why patients around the world do not recognized the same allergens or react similarly. Data suggests that IgE response to Ara h 2 may be a useful marker for peanut allergy in the United States, Sweden, the U. K., and France, but it is unlikely an important predictor of peanut allergy in Spain, where Ara h 9 appears to be a more relevant marker in this area.