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Snail anaphylaxis during house dust mite immunotherapy
D G Peroni1, G L Piacentini, A Bodini
1Clinica Pediatrica, University of Verona, Italy.
Summary
A child experienced anaphylaxis after eating snails during house dust mite immunotherapy. Cross-reactivity suggests mites may sensitize children to invertebrate foods, posing potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- House dust mite (HDM) immunotherapy is a common treatment for allergic rhinitis.
- Invertebrate foods, such as snails, are potential allergens.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old girl developed anaphylaxis shortly after ingesting snails.
- The patient was concurrently undergoing immunotherapy for house dust mite allergy.
Findings:
- Radioallergosorbent (RAST) inhibition tests revealed cross-reactivity between snail and house dust mite allergens.
- This cross-reactivity indicated that house dust mites might be the primary sensitizing agent.
Implications:
- Children undergoing house dust mite immunotherapy may be at risk of hypersensitivity reactions to invertebrate foods.
- Healthcare providers should counsel patients on potential cross-reactivity risks.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of cross-allergenicity.