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2553007 
Journal Article 
Review 
Airborne seafood allergens as a cause of occupational allergy and asthma 
Lopata, AL; Jeebhay, MF 
2013 
Yes 
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
ISSN: 1529-7322
EISSN: 1534-6315 
CURRENT MEDICINE GROUP 
PHILADELPHIA 
13 
3 
288-297 
English 
23575656 
WOS:000318650100005 
Occupational allergy and asthma is a serious adverse health outcome affecting seafood-processing workers. Allergic reactions are directed to two major seafood groups: fish and shellfish, with the latter group comprising crustaceans and molluscs. Several allergenic proteins have been identified in these different groups, but few have been characterised on a molecular level. Parvalbumin appears to be the major fish allergen, while tropomyosin the major crustacean allergen. Other IgE-binding proteins have also been identified in molluscs and other seafood-associated agents (e.g. Anisakis sp), although their molecular nature has not been characterised. Aerosolised allergens can be identified and quantified using immunological and chemical approaches, detecting levels as low as 10 ng/m(3). This contemporary review discusses interesting and recent findings in the area of occupational seafood allergy including high-risk occupations, environmental risk factors for airborne exposures, major and minor allergens implicated and innovative approaches in diagnosing and managing occupational allergy and asthma associated with seafood processing.