Gastropod Allergy: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Food allergy research
• Immunology
• Clinical diagnostics

Background:

• Shellfish allergies are a significant global health concern, affecting both children and adults.
• Crustacean allergies are well-researched, but mollusk allergies, especially gastropods, remain understudied.
• Mollusk consumption is increasing, highlighting a knowledge gap in allergy prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the limited research on gastropod allergy.
• To compile a list of identified gastropod allergens.
• To discuss diagnostic approaches and therapeutic advancements.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on gastropod allergy.
• Identification and compilation of known gastropod allergens.
• Analysis of diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Gastropod allergies are under-researched compared to other shellfish allergies.
• Key allergens in gastropods include tropomyosin, paramyosin, myosin heavy chain, and Der p 4 amylase.
• Severe bronchospasm is a notable clinical feature of gastropod allergy.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for more research into gastropod allergies.
• Component-resolved diagnosis offers potential for accurate allergy assessment.
• Further studies are required to develop targeted therapies for gastropod-induced allergic reactions.