Proteomic profiling and characterization of differential allergens in the nematodes Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and A. pegreffii

Abstract

The parasite species complex Anisakis simplex sensu lato (Anisakis simplex sensu stricto; (A. simplex s.s.), A. pegreffii, A. simplex C) is the main cause of severe anisakiasis (allergy) worldwide and is now an important health matter. In this study, the relationship of this Anisakis species complex and their allergenic capacities is assessed by studying the differences between the two most frequent species (A. simplex s.s., A. pegreffii) and their hybrid haplotype by studying active L3 larvae parasiting Merluccius merluccius. They were compared by 2D gel electrophoresis and parallel Western blot (2DE gels were hybridized with pools of sera from Anisakis allergenic patients). Unambiguous spot differences were detected and protein assignation was made by MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis or de novo sequencing. Seventy-five gel spots were detected and the corresponding proteins were identified. Differentially expressed proteins for A. simplex s.s., A. pegreffii, and their hybrid are described and results are statistically supported. Twenty-eight different allergenic proteins are classified according to different families belonging to different biological functions. These proteins are described for the first time as antigenic and potentially new allergens in Anisakis. Comparative proteomic analyses of allergenic capacities are useful for diagnosis, epidemiological surveys, and clinical research. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000662 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000662).

Assessing the risk of an emerging zoonosis of worldwide concern: anisakiasis

“…as a single pathogen even if A. pegreffii and presumably A. simplex s.s. have been identified in anchovies181920. Some studies have suggested differences between A. pegreffii and A. simplex s.s. in terms of immunopathogenicity capacity against humans515455. Humans may also have different susceptibilities to these zoonotic nematodes4.…”

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).…”

Anisakis infection in allis shad, Alosa alosa (Linnaeus, 1758), and twaite shad, Alosa fallax (Lacépède, 1803), from Western Iberian Peninsula Rivers: zoonotic and ecological implications

“…Shad products are consumed fresh locally in the Iberian Peninsula and also in France (Elie et al 2000) and are likely to be reasonably safe, due to the Portuguese and Galician cultural traditions of eating heavily cooked food. Nevertheless, a potential health human risk exists since allergic reactions could occur due to thermostable allergens even if no live larvae reach the consumer (Sharp and Lopata 2014;Baird et al 2014, Arcos et al 2014. The recognition of several thermostable Anisakis antigens provoking allergic reactions, which can be highly aggressive and generate severe clinical manifestations, suggests that surveillance and epidemiological awareness should be encouraged.…”