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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
immunology and microbiology
Exposure to the fish parasite Anisakis causes allergic airway hyperreactivity and dermatitis
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 117, No. 5, Year 2006
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Description
Background: Several case reports show allergy and anaphylactic reactions to the fish parasite Anisakis in the domestic and occupational setting. Further research is needed on the prevalence and mechanisms of disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Anisakis sensitization and related symptoms among workers in 2 fish-processing factories, and to use gene-deficient mice to determine the working mechanisms of Anisakis allergy. Methods: A modified version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey was used to interview 578 South African fish-processing workers. Sensitization to Anisakis, seafood, and common aeroallergens was determined by skin prick test. Lung function was measured by spirometry and methacholine challenge. Serum eicosapentaenoic acid levels were used as an index of seafood consumption. Sensitized wild-type, IL-4, or IL-4 receptor α-deficient mice were challenged orally with Anisakis extract. Allergic reactions, lung pathology, antibodies, cytokines, mast cell proteases, and histamine were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of sensitization to Anisakis was higher than the prevalence of sensitization to fish (8% vs 6%). Anisakis-specific IgE reactivity was associated with bronchial hyperreactivity and dermatitis, and significantly increased with fish consumption. In mice, Anisakis infective larvae (L 3) induced a striking T H2/type 2 response. Food-allergic-type reactions induced by oral challenge with Anisakis extract were absent in IL-4 receptor α knockout mice. Conclusion: Anisakis sensitization in fish-processing workers is associated with allergic symptoms and correlates with high levels of fish consumption. Anisakis proteins induce allergic reactions in sensitized mice by IL-4/IL-13-mediated mechanisms. Clinical implications: Anisakis allergy should be considered in fish-processing workers with allergic symptoms. © 2006 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Authors & Co-Authors
Nieuwenhuizen, Natalie Eva
South Africa, Johannesburg
Faculty of Health Sciences
Lopata, Andreas Ludwig
South Africa, Johannesburg
Faculty of Health Sciences
Jeebhay, Mohamed Fareed
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Herbert, De'Broski R.
South Africa, Johannesburg
Faculty of Health Sciences
Robins, Thomas G.
United States, Ann Arbor
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Brombacher, Frank
South Africa, Johannesburg
Faculty of Health Sciences
Statistics
Citations: 168
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.jaci.2005.12.1357
ISSN:
00916749
Research Areas
Food Security
Genetics And Genomics
Health System And Policy
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative