CUHK Research Identifies 11 Shrimp-Related Allergens for More Accurate Diagnosis of Shrimp Allergies

CUHK Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with Mahidol University and Samitivej Thonburi Hospital in Thailand, successfully identified 11 shrimp allergens, contributing to a more precise diagnosis of shrimp allergies. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) collaborated with Mahidol University and Samitivej Thonburi Hospital in Thailand to conduct a research study that utilized serum samples to identify 11 allergens associated with shrimp allergies. This breakthrough is expected to enhance the accuracy of diagnosing shrimp allergies. CUHK, Mahidol University, and Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital recruited 85 individuals from both Hong Kong and Thailand who had experienced immediate allergic reactions after consuming shrimp at least twice within the past five years. The research team extracted shrimp proteins from large tiger prawns and conducted serum allergy tests on the participants. As a result, they successfully confirmed the presence of 11 allergens associated with shrimp allergies, including a newly discovered allergen called Glycogen phosphorylase (Pen m 14). Furthermore, the team discovered variations in the major allergens prevalent in Hong Kong and Thailand, even within the same shrimp species. These differences may be influenced by regional dietary habits and environmental factors. This finding could drive advancements in the precise diagnosis of food allergies. This study provides comprehensive and significant information about shrimp allergens. It is expected to contribute to developing a highly accurate diagnostic method for shrimp allergies and offers insights into managing them among patients in different geographical populations.