Profile of sensitization to fish and seafood allergens in children with allergic conditions in different regions of Ukraine

The significant increase in allergic reactions to fish and seafood among children in recent years is unabated worldwide. About 40% of children with a food allergy (HA) to seafood are at risk of systemic reactions. Aim - to determine the prevalence and profile of sensitization to fish and seafood in children in Ukraine; to analyze its age and regional features. Materials and methods. 3,513 children aged 1 to 18 years with various allergic diseases were examined using molecular component immunoenzymatic analysis of venous blood with the ALEX2 test system (Macro Array Diagnostics GmbH, Austria). The prevalence and structure of sensitization to fish and seafood allergens in children was established, depending on age and region of residence. Results. Among the examined, sensitization to fish and seafood was detected in 529 (15.1%) children, of which 15 (2.8%) were 1-2 years old, 123 (23.3%) were 3-5 years old, in 173 (32.7%) - aged 6-8 years, in 111 (20.9%) - aged 9-11 years old; in 67 (12.7%) - aged 12-14 years; 40 (7.6%) are 15-17 years old. More often, sensitization to fish and seafood was observed in children from the southern (55 (21.2%) children) and central regions of Ukraine (102 (19.8%) children). Sensitization to fish prevailed - (in 433 (81.9%) children), to seafood - in 96 (18.1%), simultaneously to fish and seafood - in 58 (11%) children. Most children were sensitized to β-parvalbumin: carp - in 291 (55.0%) children, cod - in 206 (38.9%), salmon - in 239 (45.2%), mackerel - in 45 (8, 5%). Sensitization to lobsters was detected in 79 (14.9%) children, crabs in 76 (14.4%), oysters in 73 (13.8%), shrimps in 65 (12.3%) children. Conclusions. The problem of allergy to fish and seafood in children is urgent. Prevalence of sensitization to fish, mainly to β-parvalbumins of salmon, mackerel and tuna, was revealed. Among seafood, sensitization to lobsters, crabs, oysters and tiger prawns prevailed (in 14.9-12.3% of children). Allergy to fish and seafood was more common in children from the central and southern regions of the country (19.8-21.2% of children). The studies were carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution indicated in the work. Information consent from parents and children is obtained for conducting research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.