House dust mite sensitization, eczema, and wheeze increase risk of shellfish sensitization
Evelyn Xiu Ling Loo, Hui Xing Lau, Noor H. A. Suaini, Lydia Su Yin Wong, Anne Goh, Oon Hoe Teoh, Hugo P. Van Bever, Lynette Pei‐Chi Shek, Bee Wah Lee, Kok Hian Tan, Keith M. Godfrey, Johan G. Eriksson, Yap Seng Chong, Elizabeth Huiwen Tham
Abstract
Shellfish allergy is more prevalent in South‐East Asia (~5%1) than in Western populations (e.g. United States ~2‐3%.2). Typically commencing in late childhood, it is the leading cause of anaphylaxis in adolescents and adults in Asia. Cross‐sectional studies have demonstrated a high correlation between shellfish and house dust mite (HDM) sensitization in warm, humid climates and urban environments where HDM are ubiquitous. The major shellfish allergen, tropomyosin, shares ~80% structural homology with HDM tropomyosin, and primary sensitization to dust mite tropomyosin has been hypothesized to induce cross‐sensitization to shellfish.