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Andreas L. Lopata - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The predominance of Seafood Allergy in Vietnamese adults: Results from the first population-based questionnaire survey
    The World Allergy Organization journal, 2020
    Co-Authors: Thuy T. B. Tran, Emma S. Mcbryde, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Background: Food Allergy (FA) is a serious, costly and growing health problem worldwide. FA occurs in both children and adults; however, there is a paucity of information on FA prevalence and its clinical features in the adult population, especially in Asia. We sought to assess the prevalence of FAs in Vietnamese adults and the distribution of offending food items among different regions throughout Vietnam. Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted among University students aged 16-50 years. We used a structured, anonymous questionnaire, which was modified from recently published FA epidemiologic studies and based on European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidelines, to collect data on FA prevalence, clinical presentations, and implicated food groups. Statistical analysis was performed to generate the prevalence of self-reported and doctor-diagnosed FA and to examine the association of key environmental factors and FA incidence in this population. Results: Of the 14,500 surveys distributed, a total of 9,039 responses were returned, resulting in a response rate of 62.4%. Among participants who reported food-induced adverse reactions, 48.0% have repeated reactions. 18.0% of the participants perceived FA symptoms, but less than half of them sought medical services for confirmation (37.9%). Stratifying for true FA symptoms, the prevalence of self-reported FA was 11.8% and of doctor-diagnosed FA, 4.6%. The most common doctordiagnosed FA was to crustacean (3.0%; 95% CI, 2.6-3.3), followed by fish (1.6%; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8), mollusk (1.3%; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5) and beef (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.8-1.2). The prevalence of doctordiagnosed FA differed among participants living in urban (6.5%) and rural regions (4.9%) (P< 0.001). Atopic family history was the strongest predictor for FA(odds ratio 8.0; 95% CI, 6.2-10.4). Conclusions: Seafood Allergy among adults is predominant in Vietnam, followed by beef, milk, and egg, while peanut, soy, and tree nut Allergy are much less common. Populations in rural regions have considerably less FA; however, the protective environmental factors have yet to be identified.

  • Clinical Management of Seafood Allergy
    The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 2020
    Co-Authors: Carla M. Davis, Ruchi Gupta, Ozge N. Aktas, Veronica C. Diaz, Sandip D. Kamath, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Seafood plays an important role in human nutrition and health. A good patient workup and sensitive diagnostic analysis of IgE antibody reactivity can distinguish between a true Seafood Allergy and other adverse reactions generated by toxins or parasites contaminating ingested Seafood. The 2 most important Seafood groupings include the fish and shellfish. Shellfish, in the context of Seafood consumption, constitutes a diverse group of species subdivided into crustaceans and mollusks. The prevalence of shellfish Allergy seems to be higher than that of fish Allergy, with an estimate of up to 3% in the adult population and fin fish Allergy prevalence of approximately 1%. Clinical evaluation of the Seafood-allergic patient involves obtaining a detailed history and obtaining in vivo and/or in vitro testing with careful interpretation of results with consideration of cross-reactivity features of the major allergens. Oral food challenge is useful not only for the diagnosis but also for avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions. In this review, we highlight some of the recent reports to provide solid clinical and laboratory tools for the differentiation of fish Allergy from shellfish Allergy, enabling best treatment and management of these patients.

  • Prevalence of food Allergy in Vietnam: comparison of web-based with traditional paper-based survey.
    The World Allergy Organization journal, 2018
    Co-Authors: Thuy T. B. Tran, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Web-based surveys (WBS) are increasingly applied in epidemiological studies as an appealing alternative to traditional survey methods. Rapid data collection, reduced expenditure and ease of access to large populations are some of the clear advantages of online surveys. However, WBS are still subject to limitations in terms of sample size, response rate and other additional biases compared to traditional survey methods. In the present study, we seek to validate data on food Allergy (FA) in two independent sample populations collected from a WBS, and compare it to a paper-based survey (PBS). Data collected from two survey modes were compared by hypothesis testing for independent sample population. The WBS included 1185 respondents, while the PBS included 9039 respondents. Overall, the data from the WBS were comparable to the PBS conducted over the same period of time in Vietnamese adults. There were no effects of different survey modes on the lifetime prevalence of doctor-diagnosed FA (5.7%; P = 0.7795, β = 0.05) and IgE-mediated FA (5.8%; P = 0.9590, β = 0.05). Both surveys showed the dominance of Seafood Allergy in this population (up to 2.6%), followed by beef Allergy. Close correlation was seen in the patterns of FAs and different clinical symptoms. The contribution of family history of allergic diseases and place of residence to FA were confirmed in both surveys. The consistency of the WBS results with the PBS indicates a promising application of online surveys as an economic and validated model for future epidemiological studies, specifically in developing countries.

  • Seafood Allergy: A comprehensive review of fish and shellfish allergens.
    Molecular immunology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Thimo Ruethers, Sandip D. Kamath, Aya C. Taki, Elecia B. Johnston, Roni Nugraha, Tanja Kalic, Thomas R. Mclean, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Abstract Seafood refers to several distinct groups of edible aquatic animals including fish, crustacean, and mollusc. The two invertebrate groups of crustacean and mollusc are, for culinary reasons, often combined as shellfish but belong to two very different phyla. The evolutionary and taxonomic diversity of the various consumed Seafood species poses a challenge in the identification and characterisation of the major and minor allergens critical for reliable diagnostics and therapeutic treatments. Many allergenic proteins are very different between these groups; however, some pan-allergens, including parvalbumin, tropomyosin and arginine kinase, seem to induce immunological and clinical cross-reactivity. This extensive review details the advances in the bio-molecular characterisation of 20 allergenic proteins within the three distinct Seafood groups; fish, crustacean and molluscs. Furthermore, the structural and biochemical properties of the major allergens are described to highlight the immunological and subsequent clinical cross-reactivities. A comprehensive list of purified and recombinant allergens is provided, and the applications of component-resolved diagnostics and current therapeutic developments are discussed.

  • Prevalence of food Allergy in Vietnam: comparison of web-based with traditional paper-based survey
    Elsevier, 2018
    Co-Authors: Thuy T. B. Tran, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Web-based surveys (WBS) are increasingly applied in epidemiological studies as an appealing alternative to traditional survey methods. Rapid data collection, reduced expenditure and ease of access to large populations are some of the clear advantages of online surveys. However, WBS are still subject to limitations in terms of sample size, response rate and other additional biases compared to traditional survey methods. In the present study, we seek to validate data on food Allergy (FA) in two independent sample populations collected from a WBS, and compare it to a paper-based survey (PBS). Methods Data collected from two survey modes were compared by hypothesis testing for independent sample population. The WBS included 1185 respondents, while the PBS included 9039 respondents. Results Overall, the data from the WBS were comparable to the PBS conducted over the same period of time in Vietnamese adults. There were no effects of different survey modes on the lifetime prevalence of doctor-diagnosed FA (5.7%; P = 0.7795, β = 0.05) and IgE-mediated FA (5.8%; P = 0.9590, β = 0.05). Both surveys showed the dominance of Seafood Allergy in this population (up to 2.6%), followed by beef Allergy. Close correlation was seen in the patterns of FAs and different clinical symptoms. The contribution of family history of allergic diseases and place of residence to FA were confirmed in both surveys. Conclusions The consistency of the WBS results with the PBS indicates a promising application of online surveys as an economic and validated model for future epidemiological studies, specifically in developing countries

Patrick S C Leung - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Diagnosis of fish and shellfish allergies
    Journal of asthma and allergy, 2018
    Co-Authors: Wai Sze Tong, Agatha W.t. Yuen, Christine Y.y. Wai, Nicki Y.h. Leung, Ka Hou Chu, Patrick S C Leung
    Abstract:

    Seafood Allergy is a hypersensitive disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide. Effective and accurate diagnostic workup for Seafood Allergy is essential for clinicians and patients. Parvalbumin and tropomyosin are the most common fish and shellfish allergens, respectively. The diagnosis of Seafood allergies is complicated by cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods. Current clinical diagnosis of Seafood Allergy is a complex algorithm that includes clinical assessment, skin prick test, specific IgE measurement, and oral food challenges. Emerging diagnostic strategies, such as component-resolved diagnosis (CRD), which uses single allergenic components for assessment of epitope specific IgE, can provide critical information in predicting individualized sensitization patterns and risk of severe allergic reactions. Further understanding of the molecular identities and characteristics of Seafood allergens can advance the development of CRD and lead to more precise diagnosis and improved clinical management of Seafood allergies.

  • Current immunological and molecular biological perspectives on Seafood Allergy: a comprehensive review.
    Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Nicki Y.h. Leung, Christine Y.y. Wai, Ka Hou Chu, Shang-an Shu, Jinjun Wang, Thomas P. Kenny, Patrick S C Leung
    Abstract:

    Seafood is an important component in human diet and nutrition worldwide. However, Seafood also constitutes one of the most important groups of foods in the induction of immediate (type I) food hypersensitivity, which significantly impacts the quality of life and healthcare cost. Extensive efforts within the past two decades have revealed the molecular identities and immunological properties of the major fish and shellfish allergens. The major allergen involved in Allergy and cross-reactivity among different fish species was identified as parvalbumin while that responsible for shellfish (crustaceans and mollusks) Allergy was identified as tropomyosin. The cloning and expression of the recombinant forms of these Seafood allergens facilitate the investigation on the detailed mechanisms leading to Seafood allergies, mapping of IgE-binding epitopes, and assessment of their allergenicity and stability. Future research focusing on the immunological cross-reactivity and discovery of novel allergens will greatly facilitate the management of Seafood allergies and the design of effective and life-long allergen-specific immunotherapies.

  • Seafood Allergy: lessons from clinical symptoms, immunological mechanisms and molecular biology.
    Advances in biochemical engineering biotechnology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Ka Hou Chu, Chi Yan Tang, Patrick S C Leung
    Abstract:

    Food Allergy consists of a wide range of disorders that result from adverse immune responses to dietary antigens. Manifestations of allergic response includes acute, potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions and a variety of chronic diseases that mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory tract. Tools for clinical diagnosis and management, which have not changed much in the past two decades, include the clinical history, tests for specific IgE antibody to suspected foods, elimination diets, oral food challenges, and provision of medications such as epinephrine for emergency treatment. On the other hand, recent immunological and molecular biological research have enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms of these disorders and revealed the identities of many food allergens. Here, we will discuss Seafood allergies with respect to the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, immunological mechanisms, and molecular biology of Seafood allergens. Furthermore, potential applications and future directions in the clinical management of Seafood allergies are discussed.

  • Seafood Allergy tropomyosins and beyond
    Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection, 1999
    Co-Authors: Patrick S C Leung, Yenchen Chen
    Abstract:

    Hypersensitive reactions to Seafood is one of the most common food allergies. Despite years of intensive studies, the reasons why some people are allergic to Seafood is still unclear. The growing demand for Seafood and the subsequent increasing risk of Seafood Allergy in the population at large make it important to elucidate the molecular basis of Seafood Allergy and identify the Seafood allergens at the molecular level. Here, we discuss the clinical symptoms, physiological mechanisms, current findings of the immunological and molecular basis of shellfish Allergy as well as future directions for the prevention of shellfish Allergy. Interestingly, identified Seafood allergens belong to a group of muscle proteins, namely the parvalbumins in codfish and tropomyosin in crustaceans. In addition, there is strong immunological evidence that tropomyosin is a cross-reactive allergen among crustaceans and mollusks. The molecular cloning, expression and biochemical characterization of Seafood allergens will continue to provide valuable tools in the further understanding of the mechanisms of Seafood Allergy as well as the future development of immunomodulation regimen.

  • Molecular identification of the lobster muscle protein tropomyosin as a Seafood allergen.
    Molecular marine biology and biotechnology, 1998
    Co-Authors: Patrick S C Leung, Yenchen Chen, Donald L. Mykles, Kuen Chow, Ka Hou Chu
    Abstract:

    Crustaceans are a major cause of Seafood Allergy. Recent studies have identified tropomyosin as the major allergen in shrimp. However, such data are lacking in other crustaceans. In the present study lobster allergens were identified and characterized by molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression. An IgE-reactive complementary DNA clone of 2 kilobase pairs (kb) was identified by screening an expression library of the spiny lobster Panulirus stimpsoni using sera from subjects with crustacean Allergy. Expression and sequencing of this clone showed that it has an opening reading frame of 274 amino acids, coding for a 34-kDa protein designated as Pan s I. In addition, we expressed the fast muscle tropomyosin from the American lobster Homarus americanus and found that this protein, coined Hom a I, was also recognized by IgE from patients with crustacean allergies. The deduced amino acid sequences of Pan s I and Hom a I, which are the first identified lobster allergens, show significant homology to shrimp tropomyosin. Sera from subjects with crustacean allergies, when preabsorbed with recombinant proteins Pan s I or Hom a I, lost their IgE reactivity to muscle extract of P. stimpsoni and H. americanus. Preincubation of crustacean Allergy sera with the recombinant shrimp tropomyosin Met e I also removed their IgE reactivity to lobster muscle extracts. The results suggest that patients with allergic reactions to crustaceans have common and possibly cross-reactive IgE-reactive epitopes in lobster and shrimp.

Thuy T. B. Tran - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The predominance of Seafood Allergy in Vietnamese adults: Results from the first population-based questionnaire survey
    The World Allergy Organization journal, 2020
    Co-Authors: Thuy T. B. Tran, Emma S. Mcbryde, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Background: Food Allergy (FA) is a serious, costly and growing health problem worldwide. FA occurs in both children and adults; however, there is a paucity of information on FA prevalence and its clinical features in the adult population, especially in Asia. We sought to assess the prevalence of FAs in Vietnamese adults and the distribution of offending food items among different regions throughout Vietnam. Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted among University students aged 16-50 years. We used a structured, anonymous questionnaire, which was modified from recently published FA epidemiologic studies and based on European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidelines, to collect data on FA prevalence, clinical presentations, and implicated food groups. Statistical analysis was performed to generate the prevalence of self-reported and doctor-diagnosed FA and to examine the association of key environmental factors and FA incidence in this population. Results: Of the 14,500 surveys distributed, a total of 9,039 responses were returned, resulting in a response rate of 62.4%. Among participants who reported food-induced adverse reactions, 48.0% have repeated reactions. 18.0% of the participants perceived FA symptoms, but less than half of them sought medical services for confirmation (37.9%). Stratifying for true FA symptoms, the prevalence of self-reported FA was 11.8% and of doctor-diagnosed FA, 4.6%. The most common doctordiagnosed FA was to crustacean (3.0%; 95% CI, 2.6-3.3), followed by fish (1.6%; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8), mollusk (1.3%; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5) and beef (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.8-1.2). The prevalence of doctordiagnosed FA differed among participants living in urban (6.5%) and rural regions (4.9%) (P< 0.001). Atopic family history was the strongest predictor for FA(odds ratio 8.0; 95% CI, 6.2-10.4). Conclusions: Seafood Allergy among adults is predominant in Vietnam, followed by beef, milk, and egg, while peanut, soy, and tree nut Allergy are much less common. Populations in rural regions have considerably less FA; however, the protective environmental factors have yet to be identified.

  • Prevalence of food Allergy in Vietnam: comparison of web-based with traditional paper-based survey.
    The World Allergy Organization journal, 2018
    Co-Authors: Thuy T. B. Tran, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Web-based surveys (WBS) are increasingly applied in epidemiological studies as an appealing alternative to traditional survey methods. Rapid data collection, reduced expenditure and ease of access to large populations are some of the clear advantages of online surveys. However, WBS are still subject to limitations in terms of sample size, response rate and other additional biases compared to traditional survey methods. In the present study, we seek to validate data on food Allergy (FA) in two independent sample populations collected from a WBS, and compare it to a paper-based survey (PBS). Data collected from two survey modes were compared by hypothesis testing for independent sample population. The WBS included 1185 respondents, while the PBS included 9039 respondents. Overall, the data from the WBS were comparable to the PBS conducted over the same period of time in Vietnamese adults. There were no effects of different survey modes on the lifetime prevalence of doctor-diagnosed FA (5.7%; P = 0.7795, β = 0.05) and IgE-mediated FA (5.8%; P = 0.9590, β = 0.05). Both surveys showed the dominance of Seafood Allergy in this population (up to 2.6%), followed by beef Allergy. Close correlation was seen in the patterns of FAs and different clinical symptoms. The contribution of family history of allergic diseases and place of residence to FA were confirmed in both surveys. The consistency of the WBS results with the PBS indicates a promising application of online surveys as an economic and validated model for future epidemiological studies, specifically in developing countries.

  • Prevalence of food Allergy in Vietnam: comparison of web-based with traditional paper-based survey
    Elsevier, 2018
    Co-Authors: Thuy T. B. Tran, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Web-based surveys (WBS) are increasingly applied in epidemiological studies as an appealing alternative to traditional survey methods. Rapid data collection, reduced expenditure and ease of access to large populations are some of the clear advantages of online surveys. However, WBS are still subject to limitations in terms of sample size, response rate and other additional biases compared to traditional survey methods. In the present study, we seek to validate data on food Allergy (FA) in two independent sample populations collected from a WBS, and compare it to a paper-based survey (PBS). Methods Data collected from two survey modes were compared by hypothesis testing for independent sample population. The WBS included 1185 respondents, while the PBS included 9039 respondents. Results Overall, the data from the WBS were comparable to the PBS conducted over the same period of time in Vietnamese adults. There were no effects of different survey modes on the lifetime prevalence of doctor-diagnosed FA (5.7%; P = 0.7795, β = 0.05) and IgE-mediated FA (5.8%; P = 0.9590, β = 0.05). Both surveys showed the dominance of Seafood Allergy in this population (up to 2.6%), followed by beef Allergy. Close correlation was seen in the patterns of FAs and different clinical symptoms. The contribution of family history of allergic diseases and place of residence to FA were confirmed in both surveys. Conclusions The consistency of the WBS results with the PBS indicates a promising application of online surveys as an economic and validated model for future epidemiological studies, specifically in developing countries

Paul C. Potter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The spectrum of Allergy to South African bony fish (Teleosti). Evaluation by double-blind, placebo-controlled challenge.
    South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 1997
    Co-Authors: C. Zinn, Andreas L. Lopata, M. Visser, Paul C. Potter
    Abstract:

    Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the spectrum of Allergy to South African bony fish (Class Teleosti), crustaceans and molluscs and to confirm or refute suspected Allergy, specifically to bony fish, by double-blind, placebo-controlled tood challenge (DBPCFC). Design. Patients were recruited by means of a Seafood Allergy questionnaire. Subjects with reported Allergy to hake, yellowtail, salmon and mackerel were investigated by means of skin-prick tests, RASTs and Western blot analysis. For those subjects with test results that were either all negative or equivocal, a definitive diagnosis of clinical sensitivity was made on the basis of OBPCFC. Setting. Volunteer population-based cohort in the Western Cape. Participants. 105 volunteer subjects with suspected fish Allergy were recruited by advertising in the local press. Main outcome. Species-specific bony fish Allergy was confirmed or refuted by DBPCFC. Results. The four most common Seafood species reported to cause adverse reactions were prawns (46.7%), crayfish (43.8%), abalone (35.2%) and black mussels (33.3%). The four most common bony fish species to cause reactions were hake (24.8%), yellowtail (21.9%), salmon (15.2%) and mackerel (15.2%). Seven DBPCFCs were performed and two open challenges. Skin-prick tests produced one false-negative result. Western blots produced one false-negative and one false-positive result. The RAST had a 100% correlation with DBPCFC. Conclusions. Local bony fish represent a significant cause of clinical reactions to Seafood in the Western Cape. Although skin-prick tests, RASTs and Western blotting tests assist in the documentation of an IgE responder state, confirmation of clinical sensitivity can only be made with certainty by means of DBPCFC.

  • Characteristics of hypersensitivity reactions and identification of a unique 49 kd IgE-binding protein (Hal-m-1) in abalone (Haliotis midae).
    The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 1997
    Co-Authors: Andreas L. Lopata, Caryn Zinn, Paul C. Potter
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background: There is a paucity of published data on the clinical presentation and the nature of the allergens involved in hypersensitivity to mollusks. This study reports the clinical and immunologic findings in 38 patients with reported immediate and delayed adverse reactions to abalone (Haliotis midae, Class Gastropoda). Methods: Patients were recruited as part of a South African Seafood Allergy survey. Allergic symptoms were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 38 patients with abalone sensitivity were recruited. Specific IgE responses to abalone and other mollusks were studied by using RAST and inhibition ELISAs. Skin prick tests and lymphocyte proliferation assays were also performed on several of the subjects. Allergenic components of Haliotis midae were identified with Western blotting. Results: Twenty five of the 38 patients in the study were first seen with immediate symptoms, and 13 had delayed reactions. Seventeen of the sera tested were RAST positive. Skin prick tests responses with abalone extract were positive in all subjects with positive RAST responses ( n  = 8) and in 6 of 13 subjects with negative RAST responses. Five of the subjects with positive RAST responses had positive results on Western blotting and demonstrated binding to two major allergens with molecular weights of 38 and 49 kd. The 49 kd IgE-binding protein has been designated as Hal-m-1. Conclusions: Abalone allergens are heat-stable proteins with molecular weights of 38 and 49 kd, later designated as Hal-m-1 according to International Union of Immunological Societies allergen nomenclature regulation. Our studies indicate a clear clinical and immunologic heterogeneity in patients reactive to abalone. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:642-8.)

  • The spectrum of Allergy to South African bony fish (Teleosti)
    Samj South African Medical Journal, 1997
    Co-Authors: C. Zinn, Andreas L. Lopata, M. Visser, Paul C. Potter
    Abstract:

    Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the spectrum of Allergy to South African bony fish (Class Teleosti), crustaceans and molluscs and to confirm or refute suspected Allergy, specifically to bony fish, by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Design. Patients were recruited by means of a Seafood Allergy questionnaire. Subjects with reported Allergy to hake, yellowtail, salmon and mackerel were investigated by means of skin-prick tests, FASTs and Western blot analysis. For those subjects with test results that were either all negative or equivocal, a definitive diagnosis of clinical sensitivity was made on the basis of DBPCFC. Setting. Volunteer population-based cohort in the Western Cape. Participants. 105 volunteer subjects with suspected fish Allergy were recruited by advertising in the local press. Main outcome. Species-specific bony fish Allergy was confirmed or refuted by DBPCFC. Results. The four most common Seafood species reported to cause adverse reactions were prawns (46.7%), crayfish (43.8%), abalone (35.2%) and black mussels (33.3%). The four most common bony fish species to cause reactions were hake (24.8%), yellowtail (21.9%), salmon (15.2%) and mackerel (15.2%). Seven DBPCFCs were performed and two open challenges. Skin-prick tests produced one false-negative result. Western blots produced one false-negative and one false-positive result. The FAST had a 100% correlation with DBPCFC. Conclusions. Local bony fish represent a significant cause of clinical reactions to Seafood in the Western Cape. Although skin-prick tests, FASTs and Western blotting tests assist in the documentation of an IgE responder state, confirmation of clinical sensitivity can only be made with certainty by means of DBPCFC.

Mohamed F. Jeebhay - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Airborne Seafood Allergens as a Cause of Occupational Allergy and Asthma
    Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 2013
    Co-Authors: Andreas L. Lopata, Mohamed F. Jeebhay
    Abstract:

    Occupational Allergy and asthma is a serious adverse health outcome affecting Seafood-processing workers. Allergic reactions are directed to two major Seafood groups: fish and shellfish, with the latter group comprising crustaceans and molluscs. Several allergenic proteins have been identified in these different groups, but few have been characterised on a molecular level. Parvalbumin appears to be the major fish allergen, while tropomyosin the major crustacean allergen. Other IgE-binding proteins have also been identified in molluscs and other Seafood-associated agents (e.g. Anisakis sp ), although their molecular nature has not been characterised. Aerosolised allergens can be identified and quantified using immunological and chemical approaches, detecting levels as low as 10 ng/m^3. This contemporary review discusses interesting and recent findings in the area of occupational Seafood Allergy including high-risk occupations, environmental risk factors for airborne exposures, major and minor allergens implicated and innovative approaches in diagnosing and managing occupational Allergy and asthma associated with Seafood processing.

  • airborne Seafood allergens as a cause of occupational Allergy and asthma
    Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 2013
    Co-Authors: Andreas L. Lopata, Mohamed F. Jeebhay
    Abstract:

    Occupational Allergy and asthma is a serious adverse health outcome affecting Seafood-processing workers. Allergic reactions are directed to two major Seafood groups: fish and shellfish, with the latter group comprising crustaceans and molluscs. Several allergenic proteins have been identified in these different groups, but few have been characterised on a molecular level. Parvalbumin appears to be the major fish allergen, while tropomyosin the major crustacean allergen. Other IgE-binding proteins have also been identified in molluscs and other Seafood-associated agents (e.g. Anisakis sp), although their molecular nature has not been characterised. Aerosolised allergens can be identified and quantified using immunological and chemical approaches, detecting levels as low as 10 ng/m(3). This contemporary review discusses interesting and recent findings in the area of occupational Seafood Allergy including high-risk occupations, environmental risk factors for airborne exposures, major and minor allergens implicated and innovative approaches in diagnosing and managing occupational Allergy and asthma associated with Seafood processing.

  • Inaugural lecture : from farm to fork - a fishy story of Allergy and asthma : allergies in the workplace
    Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mohamed F. Jeebhay
    Abstract:

    This statement by Plato, the Greek philosopher, forms the basis of many a scholarly research endeavour trying to understand the current human experience. Join me on a journey of discovery through the recollection of some aspects of my research over the past decade in unravelling the first case report of Seafood Allergy in 1937 reported by the Norwegian bacteriologist Arent de Besche of a fisherman who developed allergic symptoms and asthma when handling codfish.

  • Occupational Seafood Allergy: a review
    Occupational and environmental medicine, 2001
    Co-Authors: Mohamed F. Jeebhay, Samuel B. Lehrer, T Robins, Andreas L. Lopata
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND—Recent years have seen increased levels of production and consumption of Seafood, leading to more frequent reporting of allergic reactions in occupational and domestic settings. This review focuses on occupational Allergy in the fishing and Seafood processing industry. REVIEW—Workers involved in either manual or automated processing of crabs, prawns, mussels, fish, and fishmeal production are commonly exposed to various constituents of Seafood. Aerosolisation of Seafood and cooking fluid during processing are potential occupational situations that could result in sensitisation through inhalation. There is great variability of aerosol exposure within and among various jobs with reported allergen concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 5.061(µg/m3). Occupational dermal exposure occurs as a result of unprotected handling of Seafood and its byproducts. Occupational allergies have been reported in workers exposed to arthropods (crustaceans), molluscs, pisces (bony fish) and other agents derived from Seafood. The prevalence of occupational asthma ranges from 7% to 36%, and for occupational protein contact dermatitis, from 3% to 11%. These health outcomes are mainly due to high molecular weight proteins in Seafood causing an IgE mediated response. Cross reactivity between various species within a major Seafood grouping also occurs. Limited evidence from dose-response relations indicate that development of symptoms is related to duration or intensity of exposure. The evidence for atopy as a risk factor for occupational sensitisation and asthma is supportive, whereas evidence for cigarette smoking is limited. Disruption of the intact skin barrier seems to be an important added risk factor for occupational protein contact dermatitis. CONCLUSION—The range of allergic disease associated with occupational exposure to crab is well characterised, whereas for other Seafood agents the evidence is somewhat limited. There is a need for further epidemiological studies to better characterise this risk. More detailed characterisation of specific protein antigens in aerosols and associated establishment of dose-response relations for acute and chronic exposure to Seafood; the respective roles of skin contact and inhalational exposure in allergic sensitisation and cross reactivity; and the contribution of host associated factors in the development of occupational Seafood allergies are important areas for future research. Keywords: occupational Seafood Allergy; occupational asthma; protein contact dermatitis

  • Seafood Allergy In South Africa - Studies in the Domestic and Occupational Setting
    Allergy & Clinical Immunology International - Journal of the World Allergy Organization, 2001
    Co-Authors: Andreas L. Lopata, Mohamed F. Jeebhay
    Abstract:

    Background: Increased consumption of Seafood due to the promotion of a healthy diet and increased processing of Seafood to meet these domestic consumption needs, has lead to more frequent reporting of allergic reactions. The spectrum of Seafood Allergy associated with domestic and occupational exposure in the South African setting was investigated. Methods/data base: In vitro studies were conducted on sera of 80 subjects reporting allergic symptoms associated with ingesting Seafood. The distribution of positive immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses was evaluated (by UniCAP-RAST) as well as patterns of concurrent reactivity and cross-reactivity (by Western-blotting) to different Seafood groups, commonly encountered in South Africa. The contribution of occupational factors was investigated through a postal survey of 68 Seafood-processing workplaces. Results: Patterns of IgE sensitization indicate that the majority of subjects (50%) were positive to crustaceans, 30% to molluscs, and 20% to fish species. More than half of the individuals reacted to one Seafood group, 36% to two Seafood groups, and 11% to all three Seafood groups. The complexity of immune responses to finfish and mollusc species was evident in the different allergen profiles obtained for fresh and cooked Seafood. The strongest immune response among the four tested fish species was to hake ‐ the most common Seafood processed in workplaces and therefore likely to pose an allergenic hazard to workers in the Seafood processing industry. Among Seafood processing factories the prevalence of work-related skin symptoms per workplace was substantially higher (0%‐100%) than that for asthmatic (0%‐5%) and other allergic symptoms (0%‐37%). Conclusions: Our preliminary investigations into the spectrum of Seafood Allergy in South Africa indicate that the potential of local Seafood species in causing sensitization, either through ingestion, skin contact or inhalation are important considerations when investigating Seafood Allergy in the domestic or occupational setting. ACI International 2001; 13:204‐210