Diagnosis of fish and shellfish allergies

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Food Science

Background:

• Seafood allergy is a growing global health concern.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
• Parvalbumin (fish) and tropomyosin (shellfish) are key allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current diagnostic methods for seafood allergy.
• To highlight the potential of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD).
• To emphasize the need for understanding seafood allergen characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical assessment, skin prick tests, IgE measurement, and oral food challenges.
• Exploration of emerging strategies like component-resolved diagnosis (CRD).
• Focus on molecular identification of seafood allergens.

Main Results:

• Seafood allergy diagnosis is complex due to cross-reactivity.
• CRD provides epitope-specific IgE information.
• CRD aids in predicting sensitization patterns and reaction risks.

Conclusions:

• Understanding seafood allergen molecular characteristics is vital.
• CRD advances precise diagnosis and clinical management.
• CRD improves individualized treatment strategies for seafood allergies.