Characterisation of potential novel allergens in the fish parasite .

The parasitic nematode occurs in fish stocks in temperate seas. contamination of fish products is unsavoury and a health concern considering human infection with live larvae (anisakiasis) and allergic reactions to anisakid proteins in seafood. Protein extracts of produce complex band patterns in gel electrophoresis and IgE-immunostaining. In the present study potential allergens have been characterised using sera from -sensitised patients and proteome data obtained by mass spectrometry. proteins were homologous to allergens in other nematodes, insects, and shellfish indicating cross-reactivity. Characteristic marker peptides for relevant proteins were described.