Predicting food allergy through early diagnosis of molecular cross-reactivity in house dust mite sensitised children (Old ID 21977)
Role
Collaborator
Description
House dust mite allergy is highly prevalent worldwide, with over 20% of the general population being affected. Of this affected population, 5% are vulnerable to sensitisation to cross-reactive allergens in consumed shellfish, which can develop into a life-long food allergy. This may lead to the unexpected event of life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in dust mite allergic children upon exposure to shellfish. Current diagnostic methods such as skin prick tests and in vitro specific IgE tests are not accurate in the identification of allergen-specific IgE cross-reactivity, which would provide an early indication of cross-sensitisation. The outcomes of the proposed research will aid in developing novel in vitro IgE diagnostic approaches, allowing for the differential quantification of specific IgE to cross-reactive pan-allergens found in house dust mites and consumed shellfish species. The significance of this research is in the development of a predictive model, enabling the early detection of risks factors for developing food allergy to shellfish in dust mite allergic children, thereby leading to the improved management of this severe clinical condition.
Date
14 Feb 2015 - 30 Jun 2017
Project Type
GRANT
Keywords
Shellfish Allergy;Allergy Diagnostics;Food Allergy;House dust mite allergy;Paediatric food allergy;Tropical Health
Funding Body
Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia
Amount
7760
Project Team
Ludwig Lopata