Cross-sensitization to the tropomyosin family: a clinical case of anaphylaxis in a child

Relevance. The prevalence of shellfish allergy is estimated to be approximately 0.5–2.5 % among the population and varies depending on the patient’s age, the degree of seafood consumption in their diet, geographical regions, and the method of diagnosis. In most cases, severe anaphylactic reactions are recorded in clinical settings.
Materials and methods. The study is based on an analysis of medical records and personal supervision of a 12-year-old patient with polysensitization and recurrent episodes of anaphylaxis.
Results. The article describes a clinical case of cross-sensitization between shellfish and house dust mites in a child with comorbid polyallergy. A 12-year-old boy with a complicated allergic history. The onset of atopic march began with severe atopic dermatitis associated with sensitization to cow’s milk proteins, accompanied by recurrent angioedema and anaphylaxis. From the age of 2, he experienced persistent allergic rhinitis and bronchial obstruction syndrome due to sensitization to house dust mites. The most recent episode of anaphylaxis occurred in response to the consumption of cooked shrimp. The development of clinical symptoms in response to shellfish consumption in patients with primary sensitization to house dust mites is mediated by cross-reactivity of allergens from the tropomyosin family.
Conclusion. Assessment of cross-sensitization is crucial to properly inform the patient to avoid new episodes of allergic reactions. For this reason, patients with comorbid allergies should undergo component allergodiagnosis.

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