Purpose of review: To compare the prevalence of sensitization in different countries based on specific IgE values and to evaluate the use of isolated native or recombinant allergens for diagnosis.
Recent findings: Isolated allergens help in the diagnosis of truly sensitized patients avoiding false positives due to cross-reactions. Their use is therefore highly recommended, especially when used as a combination of several relevant allergens. The use of purified allergens allows an accurate diagnosis and this has led to three important findings: (1) in addition to the digestive route of sensitization, occupational and non-digestive exposure seems to be clinically relevant. (2) The parasite appears as an important agent for chronic urticaria. And (3) in endemic countries, the amount of highly sensitized subjects in the general population could be as high as 7%. Adequate information to asymptomatic patients on fish consumption habits would avoid new contacts with parasite allergens and decrease their specific IgE levels and consequently the appearance of acute or chronic episodes induced by the parasite.
Keywords: Allergens; Anisakis; Chronic urticaria; Parasite; Prevalence of sensitization; Specific IgE.