The clinical investigation of kiwi fruit allergy

Allergy to kiwi fruit appears increasingly common, but few studies have evaluated its clinical characteristics. 273 subjects with a history suggestive of allergy to kiwi completed a questionnaire. 45 were investigated by double blind placebo controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), prick-to-prick skin testing with fresh kiwi pulp, and measuring CAP specific IgE. 19 subjects were also skin tested using a commercially available solution. The most frequently reported symptom was oral pruritus (65%), but severe symptoms (wheeze, cyanosis or collapse) were reported by 18% of subjects. Young children were significantly more likely than adults to react on their first known exposure (p