Oilseed rape allergy presented as occupational asthma in the grain industry.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There have been several reports on respiratory allergic symptoms induced by pollen of oilseed rape. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report dealing with oilseed rape dust mainly composed of seeds, as an occupational allergen in the grain industry. In this paper, we present a case of occupational asthma caused by oilseed rape dust from the Animal Feed Industry, which proved to be induced by an IgE-mediated reaction.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The patient displayed positive responses to Dermatophagoides farinae as well as oilseed rape dust extract. The bronchoprovocation test showed an early asthmatic response to oilseed rape dust extract. Serum specific IgE antibody to oilseed rape antigen was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibitions with addition of oilseed rape antigen. In order to further identify the allergenic components of extract, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis were performed. Fourteen IgE-binding components ranging from 10 to 160kDa were detected within the oilseed rape extract.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the inhalation of oilseed rape dust, not pollen, can cause IgE mediated bronchoconstriction in an exposed worker of the grain industry.