Back to Search Start Over

Screening of Anisakis-Related Allergies and Associated Factors in a Mediterranean Community Characterized by High Seafood Consumption.

Authors :
Fruscione, Santo
Barrale, Maria
Zarcone, Maurizio
Alba, Davide
Ravazzolo, Barbara
Belluzzo, Miriam
Onida, Rosa
Cammilleri, Gaetano
Costa, Antonella
Ferrantelli, Vincenzo
Savatteri, Alessandra
De Bella, Daniele Domenico
Pipitone, Salvatore
D'Atria, Alida
Pieri, Alessia
Tramuto, Fabio
Costantino, Claudio
Maida, Carmelo Massimo
Graziano, Giorgio
Palomba, Marialetizia
Source :
Foods; Sep2024, Vol. 13 Issue 17, p2821, 13p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Dietary changes expose consumers to risks from Anisakis larvae in seafood, leading to parasitic diseases and allergies. Anisakis is recognized by EFSA as a significant hazard, with potential oncogenic implications. Diagnostic advancements, like the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), enhance sensitivity and accuracy in identifying Anisakis sensitization, complementing traditional IgE tests. We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with allergic symptoms from April 2021 to April 2023 at two outpatient clinics in western Sicily. Our goal was to assess the prevalence of Anisakis-related allergies and to identify risk profiles using specific Anisakis IgE and the BAT, especially in regions with high raw fish consumption. The study evaluated specific Anisakis IgE as a screening tool for Anisakis sensitization, using questionnaires, blood samples, and immuno-allergology analyses. Anisakis-specific IgE values were compared with the BAT results, with statistical analyses including Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. The results showed an 18.5% seroprevalence of Anisakis IgE, while the BAT as a second-level test showed 4.63%, indicating the BAT's superior specificity and accuracy. The study highlighted the importance of the BAT in diagnosing Anisakis sensitization, especially in cases of cross-reactivity with Ascaris and tropomyosin. The findings confirm the BAT's exceptional specificity in identifying Anisakis sensitization and support using Anisakis-specific IgE for population-based risk profiling. The BAT can effectively serve as a confirmatory test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23048158
Volume :
13
Issue :
17
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Foods
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
179645872
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13172821