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Doyen V, Gautrin D, Vandenplas O, Malo JL. Comparison of high- and low-molecular-weight sensitizing agents causing occupational asthma: an evidence-based insight. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:635-653. [PMID: 38235552 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2306885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The many substances used at the workplace that can cause sensitizer-induced occupational asthma are conventionally categorized into high-molecular-weight (HMW) agents and low-molecular-weight (LMW) agents, implying implicitly that these two categories of agents are associated with distinct phenotypic profiles and pathophysiological mechanisms. AREAS COVERED The authors conducted an evidence-based review of available data in order to identify the similarities and differences between HMW and LMW sensitizing agents. EXPERT OPINION Compared with LMW agents, HMW agents are associated with a few distinct clinical features (i.e. concomitant work-related rhinitis, incidence of immediate asthmatic reactions and increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide upon exposure) and risk factors (i.e. atopy and smoking). However, some LMW agents may exhibit 'HMW-like' phenotypic characteristics, indicating that LMW agents are a heterogeneous group of agents and that pooling them into a single group may be misleading. Regardless of the presence of detectable specific IgE antibodies, both HMW and LMW agents are associated with a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response and a predominantly eosinophilic pattern of airway inflammation. Large-scale multicenter studies are needed that use objective diagnostic criteria and assessment of airway inflammatory biomarkers to identify the pathobiological pathways involved in OA caused by the various non-protein agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Doyen
- Department of Chest Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire UCL Namur, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Denyse Gautrin
- Université de Montréal and Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Olivier Vandenplas
- Department of Chest Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire UCL Namur, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Malo
- Université de Montréal and Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Linn C, O’Malley A, Khatri K, Wright EM, Sebagh D, Grbić M, Kowal K, Chruszcz M. Microscopic Menaces: The Impact of Mites on Human Health. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3675. [PMID: 38612486 PMCID: PMC11011512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mites are highly prevalent arthropods that infest diverse ecological niches globally. Approximately 55,000 species of mites have been identified but many more are yet to be discovered. Of the ones we do know about, most go unnoticed by humans and animals. However, there are several species from the Acariformes superorder that exert a significant impact on global human health. House dust mites are a major source of inhaled allergens, affecting 10-20% of the world's population; storage mites also cause a significant allergy in susceptible individuals; chiggers are the sole vectors for the bacterium that causes scrub typhus; Demodex mites are part of the normal microfauna of humans and their pets, but under certain conditions populations grow out of control and affect the integrity of the integumentary system; and scabies mites cause one of the most common dermatological diseases worldwide. On the other hand, recent genome sequences of mites provide novel tools for mite control and the development of new biomaterial with applications in biomedicine. Despite the palpable disease burden, mites remain understudied in parasitological research. By better understanding mite biology and disease processes, researchers can identify new ways to diagnose, manage, and prevent common mite-induced afflictions. This knowledge can lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced disease burden from these remarkably widespread yet understudied creatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Linn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.L.); (A.O.); (K.K.); (E.M.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Andrea O’Malley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.L.); (A.O.); (K.K.); (E.M.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Kriti Khatri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.L.); (A.O.); (K.K.); (E.M.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Elaine M. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.L.); (A.O.); (K.K.); (E.M.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Dylan Sebagh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.L.); (A.O.); (K.K.); (E.M.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Miodrag Grbić
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada;
| | - Krzysztof Kowal
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Experimental Allergology and Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maksymilian Chruszcz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.L.); (A.O.); (K.K.); (E.M.W.); (D.S.)
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Alves VS, Salazar-Garcés LF, Santiago LF, Fonseca PLC, Fernandes AMS, Silva RC, Souza LM, Cunha PPRS, Barbosa MFC, Aguiar ERGR, Pacheco LGC, Alcantara-Neves NM, Pinheiro CS. Identification of Glycycometus malaysiensis (for the first time in Brazil), Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus through multiplex PCR. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:385-406. [PMID: 35286553 PMCID: PMC8919168 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus play an important role in triggering allergy. Glycycometus malaysiensis causes IgE reaction in sensitive people, but is rarely reported in domestic dust, because it is morphologically similar to B. tropicalis making the identification of these species difficult. The identification of mites is mostly based on morphology, a time-consuming and ambiguous approach. Herein, we describe a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assay based on ribosomal DNA capable to identify mixed cultures of B. tropicalis, D. pteronyssinus and G. malaysiensis, and/or to identify these species from environmental dust. For this, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) regions, flanked by partial sequences of the 5.8S and 28S genes, were PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sequences obtained were aligned with co-specific sequences available in the GenBank database for primer design and phylogenetic studies. Three pairs of primers were chosen to compose the mPCR assay, which was used to verify the frequency of different mites in house dust samples (n = 20) from homes of Salvador, Brazil. Blomia tropicalis was the most frequent, found in 95% of the samples, followed by G. malaysiensis (70%) and D. pteronyssinus (60%). Besides reporting for the first time the occurrence of G. malaysiensis in Brazil, our results confirm the good resolution of the ITS2 region for mite identification. Furthermore, the mPCR assay proved to be a fast and reliable tool for identifying these mites in mixed cultures and could be applied in future epidemiological studies, and for quality control of mite extract production for general use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor S Alves
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Luis F Salazar-Garcés
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
- Faculty of Health and Social Welfare, State University of Milagro, Milagro, 091050, Ecuador
| | - Leonardo F Santiago
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Paula L C Fonseca
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30270-901, Brazil
| | - Antônio M S Fernandes
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Raphael C Silva
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Lorena M Souza
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
- Salvador University, Salvador, 41720-200, Brazil
| | - Pedro P R S Cunha
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Marina F C Barbosa
- Luiz de Queiroz' Higher School of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, 45652-900, Brazil
| | - Luis G C Pacheco
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Neuza M Alcantara-Neves
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Carina S Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Allergy and Acarology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/n, Vale do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40110-100, Brazil.
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Couch JR, Grimes GR, Green BJ, Wiegand DM, King B, Methner MM. Review of NIOSH Cannabis-Related Health Hazard Evaluations and Research. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:693-704. [PMID: 32053725 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has received 10 cannabis-related health hazard evaluation (HHE) investigation requests from law enforcement agencies (n = 5), state-approved cannabis grow operations (n = 4), and a coroner's office (n = 1). Earlier requests concerned potential illicit drug exposures (including cannabis) during law enforcement activities and criminal investigations. Most recently HHE requests have involved state-approved grow operations with potential occupational exposures during commercial cannabis production for medicinal and non-medical (recreational) use. As of 2019, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has banned cannabis as a Schedule I substance on the federal level. However, cannabis legalization at the state level has become more common in the USA. In two completed cannabis grow operation HHE investigations (two investigations are still ongoing as of 2019), potential dermal exposures were evaluated using two distinct surface wipe sample analytical methods. The first analyzed for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) using a liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4 nanograms (ng) per sample. A second method utilized high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection to analyze for four phytocannabinoids (Δ9-THC, Δ9-THC acid, cannabidiol, and cannabinol) with a LOD (2000 ng per sample) which, when comparing Δ9-THC limits, was orders of magnitude higher than the LC-MS-MS method. Surface wipe sampling results for both methods illustrated widespread contamination of all phytocannabinoids throughout the tested occupational environments, highlighting the need to consider THC form (Δ9-THC or Δ9-THC acid) as well as other biologically active phytocannabinoids in exposure assessments. In addition to potential cannabis-related dermal exposures, ergonomic stressors, and psychosocial issues, the studies found employees in cultivation, harvesting, and processing facilities could potentially be exposed to allergens and respiratory hazards through inhalation of organic dusts (including fungus, bacteria, and endotoxin) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. These hazards were most evident during the decarboxylation and grinding of dried cannabis material, where elevated job-specific concentrations of VOCs and endotoxin were generated. Additionally, utilization of contemporary gene sequencing methods in NIOSH HHEs provided a more comprehensive characterization of microbial communities sourced during cannabis cultivation and processing. Internal Transcribed Spacer region sequencing revealed over 200 fungal operational taxonomic units and breathing zone air samples were predominantly composed of Botrytis cinerea, a cannabis plant pathogen. B. cinerea, commonly known as gray mold within the industry, has been previously associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This work elucidates new occupational hazards related to cannabis production and the evolving occupational safety and health landscape of an emerging industry, provides a summary of cannabis-related HHEs, and discusses critical lessons learned from these previous HHEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Couch
- NIOSH, Division of Science Integration, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Brett J Green
- NIOSH, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Douglas M Wiegand
- NIOSH, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Mark M Methner
- NIOSH, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The evolution of molecular-based methods over the last two decades has provided new approaches to identify and characterize fungal communities or "mycobiomes" at resolutions previously not possible using traditional hazard identification methods. The recent focus on fungal community assemblages within indoor environments has provided renewed insight into overlooked sources of fungal exposure. In occupational studies, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing has recently been utilized in a variety of environments ranging from indoor office buildings to agricultural commodity and harvesting operations. RECENT FINDINGS Fungal communities identified in occupational environments have been primarily placed in the phylum Ascomycota and included classes typically identified using traditional fungal exposure methods such as the Eurotiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, and Saccharomycetes. The phylum Basidiomycota has also been reported to be more prevalent than previously estimated and ITS region sequences have been primarily derived from the classes Agaricomycetes and Ustilaginomycetes. These studies have also resolved sequences placed in the Basidiomycota classes Tremellomycetes and Exobasidiomycetes that include environmental and endogenous yeast species. These collective datasets have shown that occupational fungal exposures include a much broader diversity of fungi than once thought. Although the clinical implications for occupational allergy are an emerging field of research, establishing the mycobiome in occupational environments will be critical for future studies to determine the complete spectrum of worker exposures to fungal bioaerosols and their impact on worker health.
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Zhou Y, Jia H, Zhou X, Cui Y, Qian J. Epidemiology of spider mite sensitivity: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Clin Transl Allergy 2018; 8:21. [PMID: 29946417 PMCID: PMC6004667 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-018-0209-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spider mites, including Tetranychus urticae, Panonychus citri, and Panonychus ulmi, are common pests in gardens, greenhouses, and orchards. Exposure, particularly occupational exposure, to these organisms may lead to the development of respiratory or contact allergies. However, the prevalence of sensitivity to spider mites is unclear. Methods We examined the literature to generate an estimate of the global prevalence of allergies to spider mites. Results Electronic databases were searched and twenty-three studies reporting the prevalence of sensitivity to spider mites (based on skin prick tests or IgE-based detection systems) in an aggregate total of 40,908 subjects were selected for analysis. The estimated overall rate of spider mite sensitivity was 22.9% (95% CI 19–26.8%). Heterogeneity was high and meta-regression analysis considering variables such as published year, country, number of study subjects, methods for allergen detection (skin prick test, ImmunoCAP, RAST testing, or intradermal test), and mite species revealed no single significant source. Twelve of the 23 studies reported rates of monosensitization (i.e., patients responsive to spider mites but no other tested allergen), yielding a global average of 7% (95% CI 5–9%), hence spider mites represent a unique source of allergens. Conclusions Spider mites are an important cause of allergic symptoms. However, the publication bias and heterogeneity evident in this study indicate that further trials using standardized detection methods are needed to determine the association of exposure and symptoms as well as the specific patient characteristics that influence developing spider mite sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics Laboratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, 214023 People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyuan Jia
- 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299 at Qingyang Road, Wuxi, 214023 Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Xuming Zhou
- 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299 at Qingyang Road, Wuxi, 214023 Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Yubao Cui
- 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299 at Qingyang Road, Wuxi, 214023 Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, 214023 People's Republic of China
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Green BJ, Couch JR, Lemons AR, Burton NC, Victory KR, Nayak AP, Beezhold DH. Microbial hazards during harvesting and processing at an outdoor United States cannabis farm. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2018; 15:430-440. [PMID: 29370578 PMCID: PMC6314012 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2018.1432863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis cultivation is an emerging industry within the United States. Organic dust derived in part from naturally occurring microorganisms is known to cause byssinosis in the hemp industry. In this pilot study, bacteria and fungi encountered by workers at an outdoor cannabis farm that utilized organic practices were elucidated by 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region sequencing, respectively. Area (n = 14) and personal air samples (n = 12) were collected during harvesting and processing activities. 16 S rRNA and ITS regions of extracted bacterial and fungal genomic DNA were amplified and sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Bacterial sequencing resolved 1,077 sequences that were clustered into 639 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and predominantly placed in the phylum, Actinobacteria (46%). Personal air samples revealed higher bacterial and Actinobacteria diversity compared to outdoor area samples collected within the facility (p < 0.05). A high degree of dissimilarity between bacteria was identified within and between samples. Fungal sequences (n = 985) were identified and predominantly clustered in the phylum Ascomycota (53%). Of the 216 fungal OTUs elucidated, the cannabis plant pathogenic species, Botrytis cinerea, was the most prevalent and accounted for 34% of all fungal sequences. The relative abundance of B. cinerea was highest in personal air samples (59%) compared to area samples collected in the drying room (19%), greenhouse (18%), and outdoor environment (6%). There was 49% sample similarity between fungi identified within personal air samples, but higher dissimilarity coefficients were observed within and between greenhouse, drying room, and outdoor area air samples. The results of this pilot study suggest that the cannabis farm workers are potentially exposed to Actinobacteria as well as the cannabis plant pathogen, B. cinerea during harvesting, bud-stripping, and hand-trimming processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J. Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Corresponding author: Brett J. Green, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505,
| | - James R. Couch
- Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nancy C. Burton
- Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kerton R. Victory
- Office of the Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response Office, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ajay P. Nayak
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Donald H. Beezhold
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Abstract
Shellfish are diverse, serve as main constituents of seafood, and are extensively consumed globally because of their nutritional values. Consequently, increase in reports of IgE-mediated seafood allergy is particularly food associated to shellfish. Seafood-associated shellfish consists of crustaceans (decapods, stomatopods, barnacles, and euphausiids) and molluskans (gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods) and its products can start from mild local symptoms and lead to severe systemic anaphylactic reactions through ingestion, inhalation, or contact like most other food allergens. Globally, the most commonly causative shellfish are shrimps, crabs, lobsters, clams, oysters, and mussels. The prevalence of shellfish allergy is estimated to be 0.5-2.5% of the general population but higher in coastal Asian countries where shellfish constitute a large proportion of the diet. Diversity in allergens such as tropomyosin, arginine kinase, myosin light chain, and sarcoplasmic binding protein are from crustaceans whereas tropomyosin, paramyosin, troponin, actine, amylase, and hemoyanin are reported from molluskans shellfish. Tropomyosin is the major allergen and is responsible for cross-reactivity between shellfish and other invertebrates, within crustaceans, within molluskans, between crustaceans vs. molluskans as well as between shellfish and fish. Allergenicity diagnosis requires clinical history, in vivo skin prick testing, in vitro quantification of IgE, immunoCAP, and confirmation by oral challenge testing unless the reactions borne by it are life-threatening. This comprehensive review provides the update and new findings in the area of shellfish allergy including demographic, diversity of allergens, allergenicity, their cross-reactivity, and innovative molecular genetics approaches in diagnosing and managing this life-threatening as well as life-long disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta S Khora
- a Medical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Medical Biotechnology , School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University , Vellore , India
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Ndlovu V, Dalvie MA, Jeebhay MF. Asthma associated with pesticide exposure among women in rural Western Cape of South Africa. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:1331-43. [PMID: 25348901 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated asthma and pesticides among women farm workers in developing countries. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticides and asthma among rural women (n = 211). Outcome measurements included respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire), immunological status (Phadiatop, serum IgE to mite allergens) and lower airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels). Exposure variables included self-reported pesticide exposure and whole blood cholinesterase (ChE). RESULTS The prevalence of ocular-nasal symptoms (ONS), doctor-diagnosed asthma and current asthma was 24%, 11%, and 6% respectively. ONS was positively associated with re-entering a sprayed field (OR = 2.97; CI: 0.93-9.50). Asthma symptom score was associated with low ChE (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.09-3.44). Participants with high FeNO (>50 ppb) also had an elevated odds of having low ChE (OR = 4.8; CI: 0.80-28.00). CONCLUSION Pesticide exposure among women farm workers is associated with increased risk of ocular nasal symptoms and an elevated asthma symptom score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuyelwa Ndlovu
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Rondebosch South Africa
- Department of Environmental Science and Health; Faculty of Applied Sciences; National University of Science and Technology; Ascot Bulawayo Zimbabwe
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Mohamed F. Jeebhay
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Rondebosch South Africa
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Fishwick D. New occupational and environmental causes of asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Clin Chest Med 2013; 33:605-16. [PMID: 23153603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) remain prevalent respiratory diseases and the cause of a significant disease burden. This article reviews the recent occupational and environmental causes described for these conditions. Even over the limited time spam addressed by this article, novel agents and new data relating to already suggested causes have been described. Various types of work tasks or exposures are described that appear to cause both asthma and EAA. Isocyanates, the best example of dual potential to cause asthma and EAA are discussed, as is the new understanding of the role metal-working fluids play when causing respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fishwick
- Centre for Workplace Health, Health and Safety Laboratories, The University of Sheffield, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 3JN, UK.
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Abstract
Seafood plays an important role in human nutrition and health. The growing international trade in seafood species and products has added to the popularity and frequency of consumption of a variety of seafood products across many countries. This increased production and consumption of seafood has been accompanied by more frequent reports of adverse health problems among consumers as well as processors of seafood. Adverse reactions to seafood are often generated by contaminants but can also be mediated by the immune system and cause allergies. These reactions can result from exposure to the seafood itself or various non-seafood components in the product. Non-immunological reactions to seafood can be triggered by contaminants such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, marine toxins and biogenic amines. Ingredients added during processing and canning of seafood can also cause adverse reactions. Importantly all these substances are able to trigger symptoms which are similar to true allergic reactions, which are mediated by antibodies produced by the immune system against specific allergens. Allergic reactions to 'shellfish', which comprises the groups of crustaceans and molluscs, can generate clinical symptoms ranging from mild urticaria and oral allergy syndrome to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. The prevalence of crustacean allergy seems to vary largely between geographical locations, most probably as a result of the availability of seafood. The major shellfish allergen is tropomyosin, although other allergens may play an important part in allergenicity such as arginine kinase and myosin light chain. Current observations regard tropomyosin to be the major allergen responsible for molecular and clinical cross-reactivity between crustaceans and molluscs, but also to other inhaled invertebrates such as house dust mites and insects. Future research on the molecular structure of tropomyosins with a focus on the immunological and particularly clinical cross-reactivity will improve diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening allergy and is essential for future immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Lopata
- RMIT University, Allergy Research Group, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Genetics and epidemiology. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 8:489-93. [PMID: 18769207 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e32830f1c83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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