Exposure to the fish parasite Anisakis causes allergic airway hyperreactivity and dermatitis - 17/08/11
, Andreas L. Lopata, PhD a, , Mohamed F. Jeebhay, MD, PhD b, De’Broski R. Herbert, PhD a, Thomas G. Robins, MD c, Frank Brombacher, PhD a, ⁎ 
Reprint requests: Frank Brombacher, PhD, Division of Immunology, IIDMM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa.Cape Town, South Africa, and Ann Arbor, Mich
Abstract |
Background |
Several case reports show allergy and anaphylactic reactions to the fish parasite Anisakis in the domestic and occupational setting. Further research is needed on the prevalence and mechanisms of disease.
Objective |
To determine the prevalence of Anisakis sensitization and related symptoms among workers in 2 fish-processing factories, and to use gene-deficient mice to determine the working mechanisms of Anisakis allergy.
Methods |
A modified version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey was used to interview 578 South African fish-processing workers. Sensitization to Anisakis, seafood, and common aeroallergens was determined by skin prick test. Lung function was measured by spirometry and methacholine challenge. Serum eicosapentaenoic acid levels were used as an index of seafood consumption. Sensitized wild-type, IL-4, or IL-4 receptor ⍺–deficient mice were challenged orally with Anisakis extract. Allergic reactions, lung pathology, antibodies, cytokines, mast cell proteases, and histamine were evaluated.
Results |
The prevalence of sensitization to Anisakis was higher than the prevalence of sensitization to fish (8% vs 6%). Anisakis-specific IgE reactivity was associated with bronchial hyperreactivity and dermatitis, and significantly increased with fish consumption. In mice, Anisakis infective larvae (L3) induced a striking TH2/type 2 response. Food-allergic–type reactions induced by oral challenge with Anisakis extract were absent in IL-4 receptor ⍺ knockout mice.
Conclusion |
Anisakis sensitization in fish-processing workers is associated with allergic symptoms and correlates with high levels of fish consumption. Anisakis proteins induce allergic reactions in sensitized mice by IL-4/IL-13–mediated mechanisms.
Clinical implications |
Anisakis allergy should be considered in fish-processing workers with allergic symptoms.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Anisakis, nematode, parasite, gene-deficient mice, food allergy, dermatitis, asthma, occupational allergy, IL-4, IL-13
Abbreviations used : IL-4R⍺, L3, MMCP-1, OR, SPT
Plan
| Supported by grants from the University of Cape Town, the National Research Foundation (South Africa), the Medical Research Council of South Africa, a GlaxoSmithKline/ALLSA research award, and R01 Grant #F002304 from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control (United States). Dr Brombacher holds a Wellcome Trust Research Senior Fellowship for Medical Science in South Africa (grant #056708/Z/99). Disclosure of potential conflict of interest: The authors have declared that they have no conflict of interest. |
Vol 117 - N° 5
P. 1098-1105 - mai 2006 Retour au numéro
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