Sensitization and allergy to pineapple and coconut juice in patients followed up for allergic diseases in Parakou, Benin

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Objectives: Little is known about adverse food reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitization and allergy to two tropical fruits, pineapple (Ananas comosus) and coconut (Cocos nucifera), among patients followed up for allergic disease in Borgou Teaching Hospital in Parakou, Benin. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021. Adult patients (≥18 years) who were followed up for allergic asthma, rhinitis, or conjunctivitis were included in the study. Information on clinical manifestations following pineapple juice or coconut water drinking was collected, and skin prick testing was carried out. Results: Overall, 101 patients were enrolled, male-female ratio of 0.4:1 and mean age of 33.4 (±14.4) years. Clinical manifestations were triggered by pineapple in 53.5%, mainly mouth and lip pruritus (38.6%). The prevalence of sensitization was 36.6%. Allergy was diagnosed in 24.8% (or 46.3% of those who complained) and was associated with mouth and lip pruritus (odds ratio [OR] = 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–10.6; P = 0.003), bronchospasm (OR = 3.7;95%CI = 1.1–12.7; P = 0.031), allergic rhinitis (OR = 3.5; 95%CI = 1.2–10.4; P = 0.020), and conjunctivitis (OR = 4.4; 95%CI = 1.6–12.5; P = 0.007). Clinical manifestations after ingestion of coconut water reportedly occurred in 18.8% and were mostly bronchospasm (8.9%). The prevalence of sensitization was 20.8%. Allergies were diagnosed in 6.9% (or 33.3% of those who complained), with no association found with demographic or clinical characteristics. Conclusion: Pineapple is a common cause of food allergy among patients who are followed up in Borgou Teaching Hospital, while coconut is less responsible for this disorder. More studies are required to improve knowledge of allergic diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is facing an epidemiological transition.

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