What is the primary allergenic protein often identified as the main culprit in shellfish allergies?

Answer

Tropomyosin

The primary allergen responsible for triggering allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to shellfish is frequently identified as the protein tropomyosin. This biochemical component is structurally distinct from the major allergenic protein found in finned fish. Understanding this difference is critical because it underpins the medical reasoning that an allergy to shellfish does not automatically predict an allergy to finned fish, allowing for separate management protocols provided specific testing confirms only one allergy exists. The presence of tropomyosin is characteristic of the invertebrate proteins found in crustaceans and mollusks.

What is the primary allergenic protein often identified as the main culprit in shellfish allergies?
foodfishRiskAllergyshellfish