Contact allergy to Frullania and Laurus Nobilis: cross-sensitization and chemical structure of the allergens.

Cross-sensitization between two plant allergens, Frullania and Laurus Nobilis (L.), has been demonstrated in Strabourg. A review of the haptens isolated from Frullania outlines the importance of the purification of allergen to ascertain the nature of the causative agent. New results on laurel oil point to the possibility of a common denominator (the a-methylene gamga-butyrolactone moiety) between this plant and Frullania; former results are re-interpreted and analyzed. In conclusion, the importance of physico-chemical methods used to purify and isolate haptens, and help in their definition, is stressed.