Molecular diagnosis of allergy to Anisakis simplex and Gymnorhynchus gigas fish parasites.

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in the prevalence of hypersensitivity to Anisakis simplex. There are fish parasites other than Anisakis simplex whose allergenicity has not yet been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To assess IgE hypersensitivity caused by fish parasite allergens in patients with gastro-allergic symptoms after consumption of fish, shellfish or cephalopods, compared with healthy subjects, pollen allergic individuals and children with digestive symptoms after eating marine food.

METHODS

We carried out in vivo tests (skin prick) and in vitro tests (specific IgE determination, Western blot) and component resolved diagnostics (CRD) using microarray analysis in all patients.

RESULTS

CRD better detected sensitisation to allergens from marine parasites than skin prick tests and determination of specific IgE by CAP. Sensitisation to Gymnorhynchus gigas was detected in 26% of patients measured by skin prick tests and 36% measured by IgE.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypersensitivity to marine parasite allergens other than Anisakis simplex should be studied, and the most appropriate technique for this is CRD.