Background: Tropomyosin has been described as cross-reacting allergen between mite, cockroach and shrimp.
Methods: In 13 patients with asthma and/or rhinitis sensitized to mite and/or German cockroach and presenting urticaria, oral allergy syndrome or angio-edema upon eating shrimp and/or crab, we measured specific IgE to mite, cockroach, crab and shrimp tropomyosin.
Results: Ten patients had specific IgE to tropomyosin from mite, 8 from shrimp, 6 from crab and 5 from cockroach. AST inhibition tests indicated that mite allergen is a primary sensitizer and is cross-reacting with shrimp, crab and cockroach allergens.
Conclusion: Tropomyosin could be the cross-reacting allergen relevant for clinical symptoms to mite, cockroach, shrimp and crab.