Prevalence and associated factors of hypersensitivity to tropical fruits among Mexican adults.

Abstract

Background: Although tropical fruits (TF) are an important part of the diet in many regions worldwide, epidemiological data on hypersensitivity to tropical fruits (HSTF) are scarce globally.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of HSTF in adults, identify the most common symptoms and foods associated with it, and identify factors linked to its occurrence.

Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of Mexican adults to identify symptoms associated with TF consumption. Two study groups were formed: one without HSTF and another with HSTF.

Results: A total of 930 adults participated in the study; 35 had HSTF (prevalence of 3.8%; 95%CI: 2.7%-5.2%). The kiwi (13/930, 1.4%), pineapple (8/930, 0.9%), and avocado (7/930, 0.8%) had the highest prevalence. The main symptoms caused by TF were pharyngeal tightness (15/35, 44.1%), oral itching (12/35, 34.3%), and lip itching (9/35, 25.7%). Multivariate analyses identified asthma (aOR: 3.46, p = 0.014), atopic dermatitis (aOR: 7.08, p = 0.002), and a family history of urticaria (aOR: 8.15, p < 0.001) as factors associated with HSTF.

Conclusions: This study indicates that approximately 4% of surveyed adults experience symptoms after consuming TF and identifies asthma, atopic dermatitis, and a family history of urticaria as significant factors associated with HSTF.