Diagnosis and Management of Shellfish Allergy: Current Approach and Future Needs

AbstractPurpose of reviewShellfish allergy is an increasing health concern worldwide with over 2% of the population affected and higher rates in countries with high consumption. Shellfish includes both crustaceans and mollusks and constitutes one of the major food groups triggering allergic reactions.Recent findingsShrimp is the best-studied crustacean, in which the major shellfish allergen, tropomyosin, was initially characterized. Nevertheless, several other allergens have been identified and should be considered despite prevalence of sensitization being lower than tropomyosin (e.g., arginine kinase, myosin light chain, and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein).SummaryDiagnosis is not always straightforward; due to the conserved nature of most allergens, there is extensive cross-reactivity between different species which hampers proper diagnosis and management. Clinical symptoms can range from mild local ones to life-threatening anaphylaxis, sometimes with cofactor involvement. Currently, there is no available curative treatment besides diet avoidance and treatment of symptoms in case of accidental exposure.

Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - October 29, 2018 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research