Abstract

Melon belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, which also includes watermelons, cucumbers, and zucchini. Melons are cultivated worldwide in warmer regions and greenhouses. Most common varieties are honeydew, cantaloupe, and muskmelon. IgE-mediated reactions to melon are most frequently seen in pollen allergic subjects. In particular an association between ragweed pollinosis and allergy to melon and banana has been reported. In almost 90% of cases seasonal rhinitis, asthma, or both preceeded the first reaction to melon. In contrast, sensitization to melon occurred primary to latex sensitization in fruit allergic subjects. The spectrum of symptoms ranges from local symptoms as part of the oral allergy syndrome, which is most frequent in melon allergic subjects, to systemic symptoms including anaphylaxis.
To date there has only been a very small number of studies on melon allergens. IgE-binding proteins with molecular masses of 14 kDa, 31 kDa, and above 40 kDa have been identified.
The present data collection reviews detailed information on the prevalence and symptoms of melon allergy as well as diagnostic features, and the occurrence of cross-reactivities in tabular form.
 
 

Contents

1 Prevalence of Melon Allergy 2 Symptoms of Melon Allergy 3 Diagnostic Features of Melon Allergy 4 Therapy of Melon Allergy 5 Composition of Melon 6 Allergens of Melon 7 Isolation & Preparation 8 Cross-Reactivities 9 Allergen Sources 10 References

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The reference lists of the Allergen Data Collections are based mainly on searches of Medline and FSTA (Food Science & Technology Abstracts) databases up to the related dates of publication. The scientific rigor of the studies listed is variable and not subject of critique or evaluation by the authors or the editor of the Allergen Data Collections. The reader should be aware of considerable problems in comparing data from different studies (eg. patient cohorts, diagnostic performances, possible flaws in allergen preparations and methodologies for allergen characterization) and is encouraged to review the original publications.
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