Characterisation of potential novel allergens in the fish parasite Anisakis simplex

Abstract

The parasitic nematode Anisakis simplex occurs in fish stocks in temperate seas. A. simplex contamination of fish products is unsavoury and a health concern considering human infection with live larvae (anisakiasis) and allergic reactions to anisakid proteins in seafood. Protein extracts of A. simplex produce complex band patterns in gel electrophoresis and IgE-immunostaining. In the present study potential allergens have been characterised using sera from A. simplex-sensitised patients and proteome data obtained by mass spectrometry. A. simplex proteins were homologous to allergens in other nematodes, insects, and shellfish indicating cross-reactivity. Characteristic marker peptides for relevant A. simplex proteins were described.

Anisakis Sensitization in the Croatian fish processing workers: Behavioral instead of occupational risk factors?

“…Specifically, DRB1 � 11:01 allele is involved in presentation of group 2 allergens of Dermatophagoides spp. [50] to which all the Anisakis allergic patients previously showed sensitization [51]. This is not surprising as both Ani s 1 and 7 are encompassed within major allergens group, being products of the nematode excretory and secretory activity [5].…”

Re-evaluation of anchovies ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) as an important risk factor for sensitization to zoonotic nematodes in Spain

“…A range of allergens have been isolated from A. simplex and these can cause disease in sensitized patients even without exposure to the live worm (Caballero et al, 2011;Arcos et al, 2014;Faeste et al, 2014). Thus, ingestion of processed fish products with heat and frost stable worm allergens have been reported to elicit allergic reactions in consumers (Audicana et al, 1997) but it is generally believed that an active infection with a live penetrating Anisakis larvae is needed to sensitize and establish the allergic condition in patients (Alonso- Gómez et al, 2004).…”

Prevalence, molecular characterization, and clinical relevance of sensitization to Anisakis simplex in children with sensitization and/or allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

“…Although the identity of amino acid sequences between Der p10 and Anis s3 is not proven, contemporary positivity of sensitization to AS and DP with Der p10 positivity is considered an expression of cross-reactivity. Recently, identity of amino acid sequences of some AS proteins and other homologous DP allergens (Der p4, Der p8, Der p14, Der p15, Der p18, Der p20) have been demonstrated, although they are not yet available for allergy diagnosis in clinical practice (3). Based on these new acquisitions, the sensitization to AS found in 7% of Der p10 negative patients cannot definitely be attributed to genuine allergens, but it is likely that a proportion of this sensitivity is also due to cross-reactivity with antigens other than Der p10.…”

“…In recent years there has been an increase in cases of anisakiasis probably due to several factors: increase in the number of sea mammals, "global cuisine", faster cooking methods (microwave) also to preserve vitamins, increase in fish consumption for healthier lifestyles (3). About 90% of the cases worldwide occurs in Japan, followed by Italy, Spain, Hawaii, and other countries where raw or undercooked fish consumption is a tradition.…”