Shellfish Allergy: Unmet Needs in Diagnosis and Treatment

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Food Science
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Seafood, particularly shellfish, is a leading cause of food allergy and anaphylaxis globally.
• Shellfish allergy accounts for a significant portion of food allergies, impacting approximately 2.5% of the world's population.
• It is recognized as one of the most common and potentially lethal allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of recent research on shellfish allergy.
• To highlight unresolved issues and knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of shellfish allergy.
• To discuss the allergenic proteins implicated in shellfish-induced allergic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recently published data on shellfish allergy.
• Analysis of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
• Identification of key allergenic proteins such as tropomyosin, arginine kinase, myosin light chain, and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein.

Main Results:

• Despite advances, shellfish allergy diagnosis and treatment methods have not significantly evolved over the past 50 years.
• Avoidance remains the sole effective strategy for preventing allergic reactions to shellfish.
• Several specific proteins have been identified as major allergens in shellfish.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for updated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for shellfish allergy.
• Further research is required to address the persistent challenges in managing this common and severe allergy.
• Understanding specific shellfish allergens is crucial for future treatment development.