A case of anaphylaxis due to rose pollen ingestion.

BACKGROUND Recent publications have demonstrated that in Güneykent (Turkey), a rose-cultivating area, some workers experience various allergic reactions due to contact with rose or its pollen. CASE REPORT A 47-year-old man, originally from Güneykent although he no longer lived there, suffered perennial rhinitis, asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in spring related to sensitization to dust mites and various pollens, respectively. On several occasions, he had presented oral and cutaneous symptoms and angioedema due to contact with rose or intake of honey or other products. Finally, he had an anaphylactic reaction on drinking dew collected in the tulips of a rose that possibly contained rose pollen. METHODS Specific IgE was evaluated with Rosa rugosa extract and was 30.3 IU (class IV). Sensitization to other pollens and to mites was also confirmed. Oral provocation test was not deemed ethical. CONCLUSION This may be the first reported case of anaphylactic reaction due to rose pollen ingestion.