Nadeem, Kashaf * (2026) IgE sensitisation to commonly consumed Malaysian seafood species using in-vitro assays. Masters thesis, Sunway University.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Globally, fish and shellfish allergies affect up to 7% and 10% of atopic individuals, respectively, significantly impairing quality of life and carrying an anaphylaxis-related fatality rate ranging from 0.65% to 2%. Despite this burden, region-specific studies involving locally consumed seafood remain limited, resulting in an incomplete understanding of IgE reactivity patterns and the prevalence of seafood sensitization within the Malaysian population. In this study, we aim to to identify and assess the IgE reactivity of region-specific, commonly consumed species of seafood among Malaysians by in-vitro approaches. Seafood species were identified, and extracts were prepared under cold conditions. A total of 149 participants (Population 1) were recruited, and their allergic symptoms were assessed using a validated questionnaire, and sensitization profiles were determined by skin prick testing. IgE reactivity to seafood extracts were determined using immuno-dot blots. In total, 38 region-specific seafood species were identified, comprising 15 fish, 10 crustaceans and 13 mollusks from distinct taxonomic clades. Among these, 12 fish, 7 crustacean and 6 mollusk species had not previously been studied for IgE reactivity. The five most prevalent specific IgE responses were observed against Yellowstripe Scad (28%), Indian Scad (22%), Flower crab (16%), Green mud crab (15%) and Green Abalone (15%). Overall, sensitization to crustaceans was the most prevalent, however, fish species exhibited the highest IgE reactivity. Follow-up responses to the seafood allergy questionnaire were limited in Population 1; therefore, an additional cohort of 200 individuals (Population 2) was recruited. In both populations, the most reported symptoms following seafood ingestion were systemic reactions, followed by oral and gastrointestinal symptoms. Analysis of IgE reactivity revealed strong positive correlations among species within the same taxonomic group, whereas inverse associations were observed between species from different taxonomic groups. Notably, eight fish and three mollusk extracts demonstrated undetectable IgE binding across all tested individuals, identifying potential candidates for oral food challenge and safe dietary reintroduction in clinical settings. This study establishes the first Malaysian-specific IgE sensitization profile across 38 seafood species, highlighting high-risk species and demonstrating clear taxonomic clustering that supports species-specific allergenicity. By addressing a major regional research gap, these findings provide a foundation for species specific allergen extract standardization and inform prioritization of seafood species for diagnostic panel development, with important implications for improving public health
outcomes.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | seafood allergy; IgE-mediated sensitization; prevalence; allergic symptoms; region-specific allergens |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
| Divisions: | Sunway University > Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences [formerly School of Medical and Life Sciences until 14 March 2025; School of Healthcare and Medical Sciences until 2020] |
| Depositing User: | Ms Yong Yee Chan |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Oct 2026 11:20 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Oct 2026 11:35 |
| URI: | http://repository.sunway.edu.my/id/eprint/3669 |
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