Table III.
Patterns of allergic sensitization on skin prick testing of salt water fish (pilchard and anchovy) processing workers
| Allergen | Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| Common inhalant allergens (n = 578) | |
| House dust mite (Dermatophgoides pteronyssinus) | 142 (25%) |
| Cockroach (Blatella germanica) | 86 (15%) |
| Rye grass (Lolium perenne) | 78 (13%) |
| Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) | 46 (8%) |
| Dog (Canis familiaris) | 30 (5%) |
| Cat (Felis domesticus) | 18 (3%) |
| Mouldmix (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium) |
18 (3%) |
| Aspergillus (Aspergillus fumigatus) | 12 (2%) |
| Atopy | 210 (36%)* |
| Seafood and associated allergens (n = 575) | |
| Positive to any fish | 36 (6%)** |
| Positive to Pilchard in any form (Sardinops sagax) | 15 (3%) |
| - Pilchard gut (Sardinops sagax) | 8 (1%) |
| - Pilchard cooked (Sardinops sagax) | 5 (1%) |
| - Pilchard raw (Sardinops sagax) | 4 (1%) |
| - Pilchard canned (Sardinops sagax) | 4 (1%) |
| Anchovy (Engraulis capensis) | 15 (3%) |
| Maasbanker (Trachurus trachurus capensis) | 8 (1%) |
| Redeye (Etrumeus whitehead) | 5 (1%) |
| Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) | 2 |
| Fishmeal | 5 (1%) |
| Rock lobster (Jasus lalandi) | 11 (2%) |
| Mussel (Mytilus edulis) | 4 (1%) |
Note:
*
Atopy prevalence = 37% (including Phadiotop results)
**
Fish sensitivity = 7% (including specific IgE results)