Cat, Dog and Horse Allergens in Swedish Day Care Centres-Associations with Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) among Day Care Centre Staff

Abstract

Purpose: To study associations between cat, dog and horse allergens in day care centres and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in serum, lung function (FEV 1 ) and dyspnoea in day care centre staff. Totally 62 subjects, all females, from five Swedish day care centres participated (participation rate 90%). (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1) and horse (Ecu cx) allergens by ELISA. Dyspnoea was measured on an analogue rating scale. FeNO, serum ECP and symptom ratings were log-transformed. Associations were analysed by linear mixed models, adjusting for personal and home environment factors. Methods: Dust was collected by vacuum cleaning and Petri dish sampling and analysed for cat

Human allergy to cats: A review for veterinarians on prevalence, causes, symptoms and control

“…The strength of the human-cat bond means that few owners are willing to part with their cat (4-35% in different studies), even when recommended to do so, 104 , 106 - 108 and in one publication 70% of owners replaced the pet once it had died, despite the presence of a diagnosed allergy. 107 In an online survey of over 2000 cat owners in the USA, 84% reported they would ignore advice to give up their cat even if told to do so to hel...…”

“…2,30,[59][60][61][62]64 Beyond houses with cats, immunologically significant levels of Fel d 1 are frequently detected in homes without cats, schools and day care centres, cars, hospitals, churches, cinemas, hotels and other public buildings, and on public transport including trains, buses and aeroplanes. 2,30,50,[59][60][61][62][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80] In regions where pet cat ownership is common, detection rates in homes, schools and other public buildings are often in the order of 75-100%. 66,68,69,71,[74][75][76][77][78][79][80] Generally, environmental concentrations of Fel d 1 are much higher in houses where cats are kept as pets, and in other places the amount is influenced primarily by the number of cat-owning people who use the space.…”

“…2,30,50,[59][60][61][62][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80] In regions where pet cat ownership is common, detection rates in homes, schools and other public buildings are often in the order of 75-100%. 66,68,69,71,[74][75][76][77][78][79][80] Generally, environmental concentrations of Fel d 1 are much higher in houses where cats are kept as pets, and in other places the amount is influenced primarily by the number of cat-owning people who use the space. 9,30,50,60,61,64,71,73,81 Fel d 1 presence is also affected by the physical environment, as concentrations are higher in dust from soft furnishings such as upholstered chairs, carpets and mattresses.…”

“…2,24,30,60,65,68,69,78,80,82 The very widespread distribution of Fel d 1 beyond cat-owning homes is regarded as an important source of allergen for both sensitisation and allergic symptoms. 30,59,60,64,66,68,75,76,78,81,83…”

“…Beyond houses with cats, immunologically significant levels of Fel d 1 are frequently detected in homes without cats, schools and day care centres, cars, hospitals, churches, cinemas, hotels and other public buildings, and on public transport including trains, buses and aeroplanes. 2,30,50,59-62,64-80 In regions where pet cat ownership is common, detection rates in homes, schools and other public buildings are often in the order of75-100%. 66,68,69,71,…”