Occupational allergies in seafood-processing workers.
Global increased demand for seafood and its products has been associated with a concomitant rise in fishing, aquaculture, and processing activities. This increased harvesting of seafood is associated with more frequent reporting of allergic health problems among seafood processors. This review outlines the high-risk working populations, work processes, as well as host and environmental exposure risk factors for occupational respiratory and skin allergies. It also provides insights into the major and minor allergens as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms implicated. Diagnostic and preventive approaches are outlined in managing work-related allergy associated with seafood processing.
Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. mohamed.jeebhay@uct.ac.za
Mohamed F
MF
Jeebhay
Andreas L
AL
Lopata
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D060829:Arthropod Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D003429:Cross Reactions; D029941:Fish Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D005525:Food-Processing Industry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017747:Seafood / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D012758:Shellfish / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D000078329:Workforce
D000941:Antigens; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D029941:Fish Proteins