Fig (Ficus carica) is a fruit originating from Western Asia and widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region. It has a long history of use in nutrition and medicine. The fig fruit is a swollen flower-bearing structure, ripening up to 5 cm in diameter, with female flowers inside. Fig is used fresh, dried, preserved, and in various culinary products. The fig tree is also important in industry and medicine due to its latex, which contains enzymes and allergens.
Fig contains several allergenic components, including Fic c4, ficin (protease), LTP (lipid transfer protein), and a 17 kDa protein homologous to Bet v1. Cross-reactivity is known between fig, natural rubber latex, weeping fig, kiwi, papain, and other fruits involved in latex-fruit syndrome. The test helps detect sensitization to fig, assess the risk of allergic reactions, and monitor treatment. Knowledge of these allergens is important for preventing adverse reactions and adjusting the diet.
FEIA (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay), ImmunoCAP (Solid-phase Immunofluorescence) – quantitative determination of sensitization level to fig allergen.
Please note that the research method and reference values may vary depending on the equipment and test systems used.