Common Whelk (Buccinum undatum)Allergy:Identification of IgE-binding Components and Effects of Heating and Digestive Enzymes

In Korea, common whelk (Buccinum undatum) is a popular edible shellfish. The aim of this study was to observe the sensitization rate to common whelk and to characterize its allergens. We carried out skin prick test (SPT) in 1,700 patients with various allergic diseases. Specific IgE were detected by ELISA in the patient sera and ELISA inhibition tests were conducted. IgE-binding components were identified by means of SDS-PAGE and IgE-immunoblotting. The effects of diges-tive enzymes were evaluated in both raw and thermally treated extracts. SPT to common whelk was positive (> or =2+) in 83 (4.9%) patients studied. Twenty-four (38.7%) out of 62 SPT positive patients had high serum specific IgE to common whelk. ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibitions by abalone as well as by common whelk. IgE-immunoblotting demonstrated three IgE-binding components (40, 71, 82 kDa), which were digested by simulated intestinal fluid and moderately digested by simulated gastric fluid, and the digestibility of allergens remained unchanged after thermal treatment. In conclusion, IgE-sensitization rate to com-mon whelk was 4.9% in allergy patients. IgE-immunoblotting demonstrated three IgE-binding components, which were degraded by digestive enzymes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of the sensitized patients to common whelk.

Common whelk (Buccinum undatum) allergy: Sensitization rate and its relationship with other food allergens / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: The common whelk (Buccinum undatum) is one of the largest and most common snails in the North Atlantic. In Korea and Japan, common whelk is a popular eatable shellfish. Although shellfish has been known as the one of the most common causes of food allergy, there has been no published report on allergenecity and clinical significance of this sea snail. In this study, we determined the sensitization rate to common whelk and its relationship with other food allergens in allergy patients. METHOD: We carried out the skin prick test (SPT) with commonly consumed foodstuffs in Korea including common whelk in 1700 patients over 1 year. The specific IgE to common whelk were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA inhibition test using sensitized sera was conducted. RESULTS: SPT to common whelk was positive (> or =2+) in 83 (4.9%) patients studied. Twenty-four (38.7%) of 62 SPT-positive patients had high serum specific IgE to common whelk. ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibitions by abalone as well as by common whelk and, minimal inhibition were noted by shrimp. Significant correlation was also noted in specific IgE levels between common whelk and abalone (r=0.58, P<.05). CONCLUSION: IgE-sensitization rate to common whelk was 4.9% in allergy patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of sensitized patients to common whelk, and to confirm a cross reactivity with abalone.