Allergic sensitization to common pets (cats/dogs) according to different possible modalities of exposure: an Italian Multicenter Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe query “are there animals at home?” is usually administered for collecting information on anamnesis. This modality to consider exposure to pet allergens constitutes a potential bias in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate/quantify different modalities of exposure to cat/dog in inducing allergic sensitization.MethodsThirty Italian Allergy units participated in this study. Each centre was required to collect the data of at least 20 consecutive outpatients sensitized to cat/dog allergens. A standardized form reported all demographic data and a particular attention was paid in relieving possible modalities of exposure to cat/dog.ResultsA total 723 patients sensitized to cat/dog were recorded, 359 (49.65%) reported direct pet contact, 213 patients (29.46%) were pet owners, and 146 subjects (20.19%) were exposed to pets in other settings. Other patients were sensitized by previous pet ownership (150–20.75%) or indirect contact (103–14.25%), in 111 subjects (15.35%) any contact was reported.ConclusionsOnly 213 patients (29.46%) would be classified as “exposed to animals” and 510 (70.54%) as “not exposed” according to usual query. Our classification has shown that many “not-exposed” subjects (399–55.19%) were “really exposed”. The magnitude of exposure to pet allergens at home is not related exclusively to pet ownership. These considerations should be taken into account during the planning of epidemiological studies and in clinical practice for the management of pet allergic individuals.

Keep the cat, change the care pathway: A transformational approach to managing Fel d 1, the major cat allergen

“…Multifaceted interventions are recommended for best results . Because Fel d 1 is such a ubiquitous allergen, sensitized individuals that successfully reduce the allergen load in their own homes will still be exposed to potentially high levels of cat allergens at work, in homes of cat‐owning family members or friends, and in public places …”

“…2 9 It is passively transferred on clothing 2,5,19 ; as a result, the allergen is ubiquitous and has been documented in homes without cats, private vehicles, and public transportation and buildings at levels (≥8 µg Fel d 1 per gram of dust) that exceed threshold value associated with sensitization. 2,5,7,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Although Fel d 1 levels in schools are detectable, they are often low and may not induce symptoms, 35 but a Swedish study found that indirect exposure to cat may be associated with worsening of asthma in cat-allergic students. 26…”

“…8,9 Because Fel d 1 is such a ubiquitous allergen, sensitized individuals that successfully reduce the allergen load in their own homes will still be exposed to potentially high levels of cat allergens at work, in homes of cat-owning family members or friends, and in public places. 2,5,7,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Perinasal mechanical barriers are intended to entrap airborne allergens and prevent them from contacting the respiratory mucosa. A hydroxypropyl methylcellulose barrier had positive effects on nasal symptom score, ocular symptom score, total symptom score, and quality of life score in patients with perennial and seasonal AR.…”

How Working Tasks Influence Biocontamination in an Animal Facility

“…These biological agents are aeroallergens, mainly lipocalins, derived by different biological fluids and/or tissue (saliva, serum, urine, dander, hair, fur) that remain in suspension for different times in relation to meteorological conditions and factors influencing their dispersion [1,2]. In recent years, the topic regarding animal allergen exposure has been treated both in pets [3][4][5] and experimental animals [6][7][8][9], and attention has been also addressed to co-exposure of allergens and endotoxins in these workplaces, although in a more restricted way [10][11][12][13][14][15]. Exposure to biocontaminants in animal facilities in USA and in the United Kingdom has received great attention [16][17][18][19] as demonstrated by the NIOSH publication in 1998 [20], where the so-called LAA (Laboratory Animal Allergy) was considered an occupational risk, and by Gordon in 2001 [21].…”

Bedroom Allergen Exposure Beyond House Dust Mites

“…While the presence of the pet(s) is the strongest predictor of elevated pet allergen levels, [10•, 36] allergen levels are also influenced by the number of pets and pet keeping habits [37, 38, 40]. However, exposure to cat and dog allergens is not limited to direct contact with pets [41, 42]. Both allergens attach easily to clothing and hair [43, 44], and are passively transported into other environments, including petless homes, schools, daycares, workplaces, hospitals and private as well as public transportation vehicles [21, 37].…”