The cockroach allergen-like protein is involved in primary respiratory and food allergy to yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)

We here report the case of 2 patients (Pt#1 and Pt#2, both male, 24 and 27 years old, respectively) employed in the production of insect flour made of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor larvae, TML) and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens larvae, HIL). In order to characterize the patients' allergic profile, we performed: skin prick tests (SPTs) with a standard battery of inhalant and food allergens, specific IgE for TM, Der p10, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Prawn (ImmunoCap Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc) and basophil activation test (BAT) with TML and TMF protein extracts. Immunoblot analyses of both protein extracts and LC-MS/MS analysis followed by protein database screening were performed in order to identify the allergens involved in the TM sensitization