A case of anaphylactic reaction following matsutake mushroom ingestion: demonstration of histamine release reaction of basophils.

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.