The IgE and IgG antibody responses to aerosols of Nephrops norvegicus (prawn) antigens: the association with clinical hypersensitivity and with cigarette smoking

Abstract

SUMIVIARYRaised levels of serum IgE antibodies to prawn antigens were found in 15 of 26 seafood factory process workers with respiratory symptoms and in one of 26 case-matched asymptomatic controls (P<QWi\). Raised IgG antibody titres against the same antigens were found in 18 subjects in each symptom grouping, and the median titres of this antibody did not differ significantly between the groups. Tbe prawn-specific IgE antibody response was significantly associated with atopy (IgE antibody response to common allergens) and with a history of cigarette smoking, confirmed by level of serum cotinine, a major nicotine metabolite. Non-atopic non-smokers were unlikely to become sensitized. The titre of the prawn-specific IgE antibody correlated with the duration of exposure and with the duration of symptoms. Discriminant analysis ofthe serologicai profile (antiprawn IgE, total IgE and cotinine) was sufficient to assign individuals correctly into symptomatic or asymptomatic categories in 77% of subjects. The titres of the IgE and IgG antibody responses to prawn antigens did not correlate, and the tnain factor which seemed to determine the antibody isotype response to these inhaled antigens was cigarette smoking. IgE antibody was produced mainly by smokers, whereas IgG antibody was the predominant isotype produced by nonsmokers.

Occupational asthma and allergy in snow crab processing in Newfoundland and Labrador

“…There are conflicting results on the relationship between smoking and OA in general27 including in workers exposed to crustaceans. Smoking has been shown to be associated with OA in snow crab-processing workers (p<0.05)2 and with increased specific IgE production among prawn processors (OR = 2.4) 28…”

CASP8 promoter polymorphism is associated with high-risk HPV types and abnormal cytology but not with cervical cancer

“…Atopy has been associated with an increased risk of sensitization in workers exposed to a number of occupational allergens including; acid anhyrides; [Welinder et al, 2001] bakery allergens; [Houba et al, 1998] castor and green coffee beans; [Osterman et al, 1982; Romano et al, 1995] enzymes; [Zentner et al, 1997; Cullinan et al, 2000] laboratory animals; [Cullinan et al, 1999] and shellfish [Cartier et al, 1984; McSharry et al, 1994]. Our study demonstrated that atopy is also strongly associated with sensitization to soybean, with atopic workers having an approximately 35‐fold increased risk.…”

Occupational allergy and asthma among salt water fish processing workers

“…However, Douglas et al were unable to demonstrate atopy as a risk factor for occupational asthma among fish (salmon) processing workers (Douglas et al, 1995). Smoking, on the other hand has been demonstrated in a study among prawn processors as an independent risk factor for increased specific IgE production (OR=2.4) (Mc Sharry et al, 1994). A significant association between serum antibodies and smoking was also demonstrated among salmon processors with smokers having higher IgE and non-smokers higher IgG levels (Douglas et al, 1995).…”

“…Atopy has been more consistently associated with sensitization to shellfish (clam, shrimp, crab, prawn and cuttlefish) in particular (Desjardins et al, 1995; Cartier et al, 1984; Gaddie et al, 1980; Olszanski et al, 1997). Smoking has been demonstrated in one study among prawn processors as an independent risk factor for increased specific IgE production (OR=2.4) (Mc Sharry et al, 1994). A detailed study of these host factors in fish processors has not been conducted.…”