Prevalence and cluster effect of self-reported allergic reactions among insect consumers

Entomophagy is a common practice in many parts of the world. Allergic symptoms after insect consumption have been reported in healthcare literature and in the news.

We evaluated prevalence and association of allergic history and self-reported allergic reactions after entomophagy.

We conducted a cross sectional internet-based survey. Participants were people who have consumed insects. Collected information included demographic data, the practice of entomophagy, allergic history and self-reported allergic symptoms.

During May to October 2017, 140 people completed the survey. Median and range of age are 27 and 18-64 years. Ninety-two (65.7%) were female. Thirty-seven (26.4%) and 13 (9.3%) participants had history of allergy and seafood allergy, respectively. Eighteen (12.9%; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 7.3-18.4) participants reported allergic reactions after insect consumption. Nine symptomatic participants reported other people who partook insects to have allergic symptoms. Reported factors with significant association with allergic reactions were history of allergy and seafood allergy with prevalence ratios of 4.83 (CI 1.83-10.44) and 3.76 (CI 1.59-8.87), respectively.

The prevalence of self-reported allergic reactions after entomophagy is 12.9%. Clusters of people with post-entomophagy allergic symptoms are found. History of allergy and seafood allergy are associated with post-entomophagy allergic reactions.