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High prevalence of Anisakis simplex hypersensitivity and allergy in Sicily, Italy.
- Source :
-
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology [Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol] 2016 Feb; Vol. 116 (2), pp. 146-50. - Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Background: Anisakis simplex can elicit allergic reactions when ingested in raw or marinated fish. The prevalence of A simplex hypersensitivity and allergy in Sicily (Italy), an area where the consumption of raw or marinated fish is very common, has not been investigated thus far.<br />Objective: To investigate the prevalence of A simplex sensitization and its clinical relevance in a large group of unselected patients.<br />Methods: All consecutive patients referred to the authors' allergy clinic during a 22 month-period were included in the study, evaluated for sensitization to A simplex and other allergens depending on their clinical history, and investigated for allergic symptoms after the ingestion of raw or marinated fish.<br />Results: Of 3,419 patients screened, 527 (15.4%) were sensitized to A simplex and 29 of these (5.5% of sensitized patients) had a history of A simplex allergy. Approximately 30% of patients had mono-sensitization to A simplex. Co-sensitization to house dust mites or molds yielded an odds ratio of 1.98 or 3.18, respectively, for allergy to A simplex.<br />Conclusion: A high prevalence of A simplex sensitization in a large proportion of patients with mono-sensitization was found, confirming that eating habits influence sensitization to this nematode. Allergic symptoms from A simplex ingestion in raw or marinated fish were quite frequent, with symptoms ranging from oral allergy syndrome to anaphylaxis. Patients sensitized to A simplex were more prone to have allergic symptoms when they had co-sensitization to house dust mites or molds, suggesting possible cross-reactive but clinically relevant allergens between these allergenic sources.<br /> (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Allergens immunology
Animals
Antigens, Helminth immunology
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Food Hypersensitivity diagnosis
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Sicily epidemiology
Skin Tests
Young Adult
Anisakis immunology
Food Hypersensitivity epidemiology
Seafood adverse effects
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1534-4436
- Volume :
- 116
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26815707
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2015.12.014