D3.288 - Evaluating the role of dust mite sensitization in the development of edible insect allergies

Interest in edible insects has grown substantially due to their nutritional value, sustainability, and authorization as novel foods in Europe. Some insect allergens show cross-reactivity with shellfish and dust mites. However, it is still uncertain whether this sensitization is responsible for clinically relevant allergy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sensitization to edible insects in dust mite-allergic patients and to compare it with that observed in patients with other food allergies.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of ALEX tests performed in mite and nut allergic patients who were attended at the Allergy Department of Fundación Jiménez Díaz in Madrid, Spain. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and serum IgE reactivity was assessed using the ALEX molecular platform to edible insects (Acheta domesticus, Ach d; Tenebrio molitor, Ten m; and Locusta migratoria, Loc m) and to cross-reactivity allergen (Ani s3, Blo t10, Der p10, Pen m1, Per a7, Bla g9, Der p20, Pen m2, Pen m3, Pen m4, Cra c6, Der p11). This study has been granted by SEAIC (24A_04).

A total of 132 patients were evaluated; 67 (50.8%) were sensitized to dust mites and 65 (49.2%) had food allergy. Sensitization to edible insects (Ach d, Ten m, Loc m) was low (7.7 - 12.9%) in both groups, with no significant differences. Insect-sensitized patients were commonly sensitized to other pan-allergens, mainly tropomyosin (47 - 75%), troponin C (40 - 54%) and arginine kinase (15 - 25%). Up to 41% of patients sensitized to Acheta domesticus lacked detectable pan-allergens, suggesting alternative sensitizations. Similar results were observed for Tenebrio molitor and Locusta migratoria (16.7% and 7.7%, respectively).

Insect sensitization was infrequent in mite or food-allergic individuals with no significant differences between the groups. These findings raise uncertainty regarding an increased risk of edible insect allergy in dust mite-sensitized patients and highlights the need for further studies to clarify clinical relevance and the role of mite exposure in the development of insect allergy.