Cashew nut allergy K52.1

The allergological potency of cashew nuts is low, but the allergenic significance is increasing due to the wide distribution.

Cashew-sensitized persons suffer from severe allergic symptoms. Sensitized patients should safely recognize cashew kernels and avoid suspicious processed foods such as Asian ready meals, nut bars, cakes and also pesto sauces.

There is cross-reactivity between cashew and pistachio.

Identified and accepted allergens of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew)

• Ana o 1 Vicilin-like protein
• Ana o 2 11 S Protein(Cupin)
• Ana o 3 2S Albumin

Ana o 2 and Ana o 3 are seed storage proteins of the cashew nut.

1. Archila LD et al (2016) Ana o 1 and Ana o 2 cashew allergens share cross-reactive CD4(+) T cell epitopes with other tree nuts. Clin Exp Allergy 46:871-883.
2. Gang K et al (2016) Marker allergens and panallergens in tree and pollen allergy. In: Kleine-Tebbe JK et al (Ed.) Molecular allergy diagnostics. Springer Publishing House GmbH S177-204
3. Hofer Th, Wüthrich B (1985) Food allergies. II. Frequency of organ manifestations and allergy-causing foods. Switzerland Med Weekly 115: 1437-1442
4. Wang F et al (2003) Ana o 2, a major cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut allergen of the legumin family. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 132:27-39.
5. WHO/IUS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee.