Mussels are marine bivalve mollusks found worldwide and widely used in food. They can cause allergic reactions of varying severity, including oral allergy syndrome, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, and gastrointestinal disorders. The main allergenic component is tropomyosin (Myt e1), which has high cross-reactivity with other mollusks, crustaceans, as well as house dust mites and cockroaches. Detecting sensitization helps assess the risk of allergic reactions and monitor therapy effectiveness.
Mussel allergenic proteins are thermostable and water-soluble, present in the edible part of the mollusks. Tropomyosin is a pan-allergen causing cross-reactivity between mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Detecting sensitization to mussels aids in diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention of allergic reactions, especially in patients with occupational exposure to seafood.
FEIA (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay), ImmunoCAP (Solid-phase Immunofluorescence) – quantitative determination.
Please note that the research method and reference values may vary depending on the equipment and test systems used.