Abstract

BackgroundThere are no set specific IgE (sIgE) to predict shrimp allergy as cross-reactivity with other arthropods play a role in shrimp sensitization.\n\nObjectiveThis study identifies the allergens associated with shrimp allergy in house dust mite (HDM) and non-HDM sensitized patients.\n\nMethodsPatients with shrimp sensitization (positive skin prick test [SPT] and/or sIgE) with/without history of clinical reaction were recruited. Allergy was confirmed by oral food challenge (OFC) except for patients with history of anaphylaxis. Shrimp allergic (SA) and shrimp tolerant (ST) patients were further classified based on HDM sensitivity. The sIgE to shrimp, shrimp and HDM components were performed. Fishers exact test, Wilcoxon sum rank test and receiver operating characteristics analyses were done.\n\nResultsOf 79 patients recruited, 12 SA (7 positive OFC and 5 with history of anaphylaxis), 18 ST and 10 non-shrimp sensitized controls (NC) were enrolled. In non-HDM sensitized patients, sIgE to shrimp (10.5 kUA/L, p=0.012) and Der p 10 (4.09 kUA/L, p=0.035) were higher in SA patients. Shrimp sIgE [≥]3.55 kUA/L had 100% sensitivity and 85.71% specificity (ROC=0.94[0.81, 1.0]). Der p 10 sIgE [≥]3.98 kUA/L had sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100% (ROC=0.86[0.57, 1.0]). rPen a 1 [≥]1.1 kUA/L had sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 85.7% (ROC=0.80[0.47,1.0]).\n\nConclusionsIn non-HDM sensitized patients, shrimp sIgE [≥]3.55 kUA/L and Der p 10 sIgE[≥]3.98 kUA/L give 100% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, to diagnose shrimp allergy. HDM sensitivity can influence sIgE levels to shrimp and shrimp/HDM components due to cross-reactivity.