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Background:
Patients sensitized
to common pets (cat,
dog) frequently
display an
immunoglobulin (Ig)
Emediated response
to allergens from
other animals.
Objective: To
evaluate whether
individuals
sensitized to common
pets might be at
higher risk of
developing allergic
sensitization to
other mammalian
allergens.
Methods: The
study population
comprised 900
consecutive patients
(300 individuals
sensitized to
different allergens
including those of
cat and dog [group
A], 300 sensitized
to allergens other
than those derived
from cat and dog
[group B], and 300
nonsensitized
individuals [group
C, controls]). All
patients underwent a
physical
examination, an
interview (clinical
history, pet
ownership, possible
exposure data), and
skin prick test (SPT)
with a standard
panel of allergens
including cat, dog,
horse, rabbit, rat,
mouse, guinea pig,
hamster, and cow.
Results: A
significant
difference in
allergic
sensitization to
mammalian allergens
was observed in
group A compared
with group B
(respectively, 244
vs 17). No
sensitization was
found in group C.
Conclusion:
Since sensitization
to pet allergens
increases the risk
of developing
allergy to other
furry animals, we
suggest performing
SPTs with several
mammalian allergens
to identify allergic
sensitization and
thus prevent future
exposure in
individuals who are
highly sensitized
and environmentally
exposed to common
pets.
Key words:
Allergic rhinitis.
Bronchial asthma.
Cat. Dog. Furry
animals.
Hypersensitivity.
Pet allergy.
Sensitization to
animals.
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