A Case of Anaphylactic Reaction Following Matsutake Mushroom Ingestion: Demonstration of Histamine Release Reaction of Basophils

Abstract

Background: Matsutake mushroom is not recognized as a common food allergen. However, several case reports have suggested that this mushroom can induce anaphylaxis on rare occasions. Case Summary: We report a woman with bronchial asthma, who experienced two episodes of Matsutake-induced anaphylaxis. Both the prick-to-prick test and basophil histamine release test showed positive reactions to this mushroom in this patient, but not in control subjects. Discussion: Matsutake mushroom can, on rare occasions, cause anaphylaxis in sensitized people, a reaction so far observed only in Japan. Not ony the in vivo prick-to-prick test but also the in vitro basophil activation test utilizing the patient's blood represent useful methods for allergen identification and also for identification of sensitized subjects.

Keywords

• anaphylaxis
• basophils
• food allergy
• histamine release
• Matsutake mushroom