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Screening of Anisakis-Related Allergies and Associated Factors in a Mediterranean Community Characterized by High Seafood Consumption
oleh: Santo Fruscione, Maria Barrale, Maurizio Zarcone, Davide Alba, Barbara Ravazzolo, Miriam Belluzzo, Rosa Onida, Gaetano Cammilleri, Antonella Costa, Vincenzo Ferrantelli, Alessandra Savatteri, Daniele Domenico De Bella, Salvatore Pipitone, Alida D’Atria, Alessia Pieri, Fabio Tramuto, Claudio Costantino, Carmelo Massimo Maida, Giorgio Graziano, Marialetizia Palomba, Simonetta Mattiucci, Ignazio Brusca, Walter Mazzucco
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2024-09-01 |
Deskripsi
Dietary changes expose consumers to risks from <i>Anisakis</i> larvae in seafood, leading to parasitic diseases and allergies. <i>Anisakis</i> is recognized by EFSA as a significant hazard, with potential oncogenic implications. Diagnostic advancements, like the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), enhance sensitivity and accuracy in identifying <i>Anisakis</i> sensitization, complementing traditional IgE tests. We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with allergic symptoms from April 2021 to April 2023 at two outpatient clinics in western Sicily. Our goal was to assess the prevalence of <i>Anisakis</i>-related allergies and to identify risk profiles using specific <i>Anisakis</i> IgE and the BAT, especially in regions with high raw fish consumption. The study evaluated specific <i>Anisakis</i> IgE as a screening tool for <i>Anisakis</i> sensitization, using questionnaires, blood samples, and immuno-allergology analyses. <i>Anisakis</i>-specific IgE values were compared with the BAT results, with statistical analyses including Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression. The results showed an 18.5% seroprevalence of <i>Anisakis</i> IgE, while the BAT as a second-level test showed 4.63%, indicating the BAT’s superior specificity and accuracy. The study highlighted the importance of the BAT in diagnosing <i>Anisakis</i> sensitization, especially in cases of cross-reactivity with Ascaris and tropomyosin. The findings confirm the BAT’s exceptional specificity in identifying <i>Anisakis</i> sensitization and support using <i>Anisakis</i>-specific IgE for population-based risk profiling. The BAT can effectively serve as a confirmatory test.