OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA BY ANISAKIS SIMPLEX

Background: No cases of occupational asthma caused by the inhalation o f antigens from Anisakis simplex have been published. Objective: The p urpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility that A simplex ra n play a role in the asthma experienced by 2 workers when handling fis h and fish flour. Methods: Skin prick and bronchial challenge tests wi th A simplex were performed. We also carried out measurements of speci fic IgE to A simplex and immunoblotting. Results: Both patients had st rong positive skin test responses, challenge test responses, and speci fic IgE to A simplex. Immunoblotting showed that both patients also ha d IgE against several hands in the fish flour extract, suggesting cont amination by Anisakis allergens. Conclusion: These 2 patients provide evidence for occupational asthma caused by A simplex, based on in vivo and in vitro tests for Anisakis-specific IgE.