Mite crustacean mollusc syndromeT78.1

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Food allergy with primary sensitization to aeroallergens (especially house dust mite allergy). The cause is the structural relationship of tropomyosins, which are found in house dust mites and numerous seafood products.

PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Crustaceans (Crustacea): crustaceans (e.g. crabs, shrimps)
  • Molluscs (Mollusca): Molluscs (e.g. clams, snails)

Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.

In Germany (still) rare. Due to local eating habits higher incidence in France or Italy. With an increasing, more dynamic and exotic eating culture in Germany, this syndrome should be considered more from an allergological point of view!

Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.

Diarrhoea, rhinorrhoea, generalized urticaria and respiratory distress may occur (see shock, anaphylactic).

LaboratoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Increased total IgE, detection of specific IgE (especially against house dust mites).

DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Prick tests (with house dust mites, shrimp, mussels and additional, anamnesis-related allergens).
  • If the medical history is unclear, proof of the clinical relevance of house dust mite sensitization by means of provocation tests.
  • If necessary, lung function diagnostics.
  • Determination of RAST classes and total IgE.

Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.

TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Consistent mite restoration in the residential environment (see encasing).
  • Specific immunotherapy (see SIT) against house dust mites.

ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.

If clinically indicated, the issuing of an emergency kit should also be considered.

Diet/life habitsThis section has been translated automatically.

In the case of contraindications to SIT with house dust mites, the absolute withdrawal period of the triggering foodstuff must be observed.

Case report(s)This section has been translated automatically.

  • 37-year-old patient presented because of an anaphylactoid reaction after shrimp consumption during a Corsican holiday. Diarrhoea, rhinorrhoea, generalized urticaria and respiratory distress occurred 3 hours after consumption of these shrimps.
  • After detailed enquiries, it was stated that he had recently been suffering from a blocked nose in the morning and breathing difficulties at night. In addition, he was occasionally short of breath under physical exertion. Further food intolerances were denied.
  • After skin tests, the patient was diagnosed with a clinically relevant type I sensitization to house dust mites.
  • After mite sanitation in the living environment and a 3-year specific immunotherapy, crabs could be consumed again by the patient without any problems.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Kütting B et al (2001) The mite crustacean mollusc syndrome. dermatologist 52: 708-711

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020