MOLLUSC ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Molluscs are a group of invertebrates which include oysters, abalone, snails and squid. In Europe molluscs and crustaceans are considered to be 2 separate food groups whose allergens need to be declared in packaged food. In the US these are both grouped under the term 'shellfish'.
The WHO allergen index covers 6 species of molluscs linked to allergic reactions.
The main allergen in all 6 species is Tropomyosin, which is a protein found in the exoskeletons of the animals.
The WHO allergen index covers 6 species of molluscs linked to allergic reactions.
The main allergen in all 6 species is Tropomyosin, which is a protein found in the exoskeletons of the animals.
Associated Syndromes
Allergy to molluscs has not been linked to any allergic syndromes.
Cross Reactivity
Molluscs allergy is linked to crustacean allergy; lobster, prawn, scampi, crab and shrimp all contain the main allergen - tropomyosin.
Catfish, some types of salmon and tilapia are types of fish which have also been identified as containing the allergen tropomyosin, there may be cross reactivity between eating certain types of fish and molluscs.
There is a lot of research into a link between dust mite allergy and molluscs allergy, this is again attributed to the common allergen - tropomyosin.
Catfish, some types of salmon and tilapia are types of fish which have also been identified as containing the allergen tropomyosin, there may be cross reactivity between eating certain types of fish and molluscs.
There is a lot of research into a link between dust mite allergy and molluscs allergy, this is again attributed to the common allergen - tropomyosin.
Resources
Websites
Allergen Encyclopedia - Oysters
Anaphylaxis Campaign - Shellfish
Food Allergy Canada - Crustaceans and Molluscs
Allergy information for: Abalone, perlemoen (Haliotis midae)
Allergy information for: Oyster (Crassostrea gigas )
Allergy information for: Snail (Helix aspersa)
Allergy information for: Squid (Todarodes pacificus)
Articles and Journals
In vivo diagnosis with purified tropomyosin in mite and shellfish allergic patients, 2016
Tropomyosin: An Invertebrate Pan–Allergen, 1999
Identification of the first major allergen of a squid (Todarodes pacificus), 1996
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