Queensland scientists have made a fascinating discovery about the potential cause of the common shellfish allergy.

Researchers from Brisbane’s QIMR Berghofer Institute and James Cook University have shown for the first time that a protein in molluscs can also be a primary cause, as well as prawns and other crustaceans.

Associate professor Severine Navarro from QIMR Berghofer says it’s significant.

“This discovery is bringing awareness to a lot of people so that they know there are others species of shellfish they need to be mindful [of],” she told Scott Emerson.

She says they discovered molluscs could be the primary sensitising allergen – the allergen you first encounter that makes you allergic to shellfish and it needs to be incorporated into the skin prick test.

Press PLAY below to hear more about working towards ‘curing’ people of allergies