Laboratory determinations in Anisakis simplex allergy

Anaphylactic reactions caused by the fish nematode, Anisakis simplex, after ingestion of parasitized fish, have been described.

This study was undertaken to confirm, by histamine release tests, that A. simplex is able to trigger IgE-mediated reactions and to describe the serologic profiles in this sensitization.

Twelve patients who had anaphylactic symptoms after ingestion of cooked fish and positive prick test results and determinations of IgE to A. simplex were studied by indirect IgG ELISA and IgG and IgE immunoblotting. Sera from subjects parasitized with other nematodes, patients with fish allergy, and healthy donors were included as controls. A histamine release test was performed in a representative case.

IgE immunoblotting was a specific test to detect A. simplex allergy. IgE-reacting bands were found in serum samples from 11 of our patients. Specific IgG antibodies were found by ELISA and immunoblotting, but this response was less specific. Histamine release was positive with A. simplex extract and negative with fish.

A specific and intense immune response to an A. simplex extract was found in our patients. A. simplex is able to elicit anaphylactic reactions, and A. simplex allergy should be suspected in patients with allergic symptoms after ingestion of fish. A positive prick test response to A. simplex and a negative response to fish is a good indication for a diagnosis of A. simplex allergy.