Systemic reaction to papain in a nonoccupational setting.

A patient experienced a severe systemic allergic reaction after ingesting meat tenderizer. Evaluation revealed that the reaction was mediated by IgE antibody to papain, an ingredient of the tenderizer. Papain hypersensitivity has been reported among pharmacists and factory workers exposed to the agent, but few nonoccupational cases have been described. The present case may be the first in which the sensitization appears to have occurred via the gastrointestinal route. Papain-containing products are commonly used throughout our society and papain hypersensitivity may represent an unrecognized cause of allergic symptoms.