Characterisation of potential novel allergens in the fish parasite Anisakis simplex

• Anisakis simplex can elicit allergic responses in consumers of fish products.
• Allergenic A. simplex proteins were determined with sera from sensitised patients.
• Potential novel allergens were characterised by targeted proteomic analysis.
• A. simplex allergens possibly cross-react with known invertebrate allergens.

The parasitic nematode Anisakis simplex occurs in fish stocks in temperate seas. A. simplex contamination of fish products is unsavoury and a health concern considering human infection with live larvae (anisakiasis) and allergic reactions to anisakid proteins in seafood. Protein extracts of A. simplex produce complex band patterns in gel electrophoresis and IgE-immunostaining. In the present study potential allergens have been characterised using sera from A. simplex-sensitised patients and proteome data obtained by mass spectrometry. A. simplex proteins were homologous to allergens in other nematodes, insects, and shellfish indicating cross-reactivity. Characteristic marker peptides for relevant A. simplex proteins were described.

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