Sensitization to king scallop (Pectin maximus) and queen scallop (Chlamys opercularis) proteins

Objective To report a case of occupational asthma and urticaria due to the queen scallop (Chlamys opercularis) and king scallop (Pectin maximus). Background A 40-year-old female worked in a shellfish-processing plant, handling king and queen scallops for 5 years. At the time of investigation, she de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Occupational medicine (Oxford) 2006-01, Vol.56 (1), p.63-66
Main Authors: Barraclough, R. M., Walker, J., Hamilton, N., Fishwick, D., Curran, A. D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Air Pollutants, Occupational - toxicity
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Bivalvia
Chlamys opercularis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma
Decapoda
Female
Food Handling
Humans
IgE
Immunoglobulin E - immunology
Medical sciences
occupational asthma
Occupational Diseases - diagnosis
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
Pectin maximus
Pectinidae - chemistry
Pneumology
Proteins - toxicity
Radioallergosorbent Test
Respiratory Hypersensitivity - diagnosis
Respiratory Hypersensitivity - etiology
scallops
sensitization
Shellfish
Urticaria - diagnosis
Urticaria - etiology
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Summary:Objective To report a case of occupational asthma and urticaria due to the queen scallop (Chlamys opercularis) and king scallop (Pectin maximus). Background A 40-year-old female worked in a shellfish-processing plant, handling king and queen scallops for 5 years. At the time of investigation, she described a 2-year history of work-related respiratory symptoms. Methods Serial peak expiratory flow rate readings were recorded and an OASYS study completed. A workplace visit was undertaken and specific immunoglobulin (IgE) radioallergosorbent (RAST) testing of scallop extracts was performed. Results The OASYS study was consistent with occupational asthma. RAST testing demonstrated evidence of specific sensitization (IgE) to queen and king scallop. There was also some cross-reactivity observed with other shellfish (prawns and crabs). Conclusion Workers exposed to aerosols from scallop species are at risk of occupational asthma and require effective respiratory health surveillance.
ISSN:0962-7480
1471-8405
DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqi175