[Risk of sensitization to Anisakis simplex among the members of the families of patients with anisakiasis].
OBJECTIVE
Infection by anisakid nematodes is associated with consumption of raw fish. The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of sensitization among members of families of patients with anisakiasis.


METHODS
Eleven asymptomatic members of families of patients diagnosed with anisakiasis were studied by means of IgE-immunoblotting. The frequency of sensitization was compared with the prevalence in a normal population from the same geographic area.


RESULTS
A very high frequency of sensitization was observed among patients' family members (73%) as compared with the prevalence in normal population (12%) (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
All members of the family of a patient diagnosed with anisakiasis should be studied to determine whether they are sensitized.
Caballero
María Luisa
ML
Centro de Investigación Clínica y Medicina Preventiva. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid. España. mlcsoto@hotmail.com
Moneo
Ignacio
I
D000818:Animals; D017129:Anisakiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D017163:Anisakis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D015151:Immunoblotting / Q000379:methods; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009679:Nuclear Family; D010375:Pedigree; D012306:Risk
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D007073:Immunoglobulin E