Journal Article

The molecular landscape of peach allergy in Tunisia: new insights

Ben Nejma, Nader, Ben Hmid, Ahlem, Abdennadher, Wassila, Nasri, Yosra, Louzir, Hechmi, Ben Sghaier, Ines, Krir, Dhouha, Galai, Yousr, Kbaier, Hayet, Zamali, Imen, Ben Ahmed, Mélika, Samoud, Samar, Bouaffif Alaya, Nissaf

2026

Overview

Peach allergy represents a significant clinical problem in Mediterranean populations, yet molecular characterization remains limited in North African countries. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of peach sensitization patterns in Tunisia using component-resolved diagnostics. To characterize molecular sensitization profiles to peach allergen components, correlate these with clinical manifestations, and evaluate predictive biomarkers in a Tunisian cohort. A retrospective study was conducted including 63 patients referred for suspected peach allergy to the Pasteur Institute of Tunisia between March 2022 and March 2025. After application of exclusion criteria, 49 patients were included in the final analysis. Total and specific IgE levels were measured using ImmunoCAP technology. Component-resolved diagnostics targeted rPru p 1, rPru p 3, rPru p 4, and rPru p 7. Reaction severity was assessed using oFASS-3. Statistical analyses included correlation studies and ROC curve analysis. Thirty-eight patients (77.5%) demonstrated peach allergy with median age 10 years [7-14]. Clinical manifestations included urticaria (86.6%), angioedema (39.4%), respiratory symptoms (rhinitis 42.1%, bronchospasm 23.6%), oral allergy syndrome (32.4%), and anaphylaxis (10.5%). Pru p 3 was predominant (84.2% of patients, median 1.215 kUA/L). Pru p 7, Pru p 1, and Pru p 4 sensitization occurred in 10.5%, 7.8%, and 2% respectively. Peach-specific IgE predicted Pru p 3 sensitization with 100% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity (cut-off 0.23 kUA/L). Strong correlation existed between peach-specific IgE and Pru p 3 levels (ρ = 0.942). No associations were identified between biomarkers and clinical severity. Peach allergy in Tunisia follows the Mediterranean phenotype with predominant Pru p 3 sensitization and significant clinical severity. These findings establish the molecular foundation for evidence-based diagnosis while highlighting the need for region-specific therapeutic approaches.

• Publisher: Frontiers Media SA,Frontiers Media S.A
• Subject: Adolescent / Age / Allergens / Allergens - immunology / Anaphylaxis / Angioedema / Antigens, Plant - immunology / Biomarkers / Bronchospasm / Child / Clinical medicine / Female / Food allergies / Food Hypersensitivity - diagnosis / Food Hypersensitivity - epidemiology / Food Hypersensitivity - immunology / Humans / Immunoglobulin E / Immunoglobulin E - blood / Immunoglobulin E - immunology / Immunology / Male / Males / molecular allergen / Original Research / Pathogenesis / Patients / peach allergy / Phenotypes / Population / Proteins / Prunus persica - adverse effects / Prunus persica - immunology / Retrospective Studies / Rhinitis / sensitization profile / Serology / specific IgE / Statistical analysis / Tunisia / Tunisia - epidemiology / Urticaria