Detection of Serum Allergen-Specific IgE in Atopic Dogs Tested in Northern Italy: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. IgE is detected using Serum Allergen-Specific IgE test (SAT) in order to identify allergens. The present study aims to identify the environmental allergens in atopic dogs living in Northern Italy using SAT. The screening SAT (sSAT), using a monoclonal antibody cocktail-based ELISA to identify indoor and outdoor allergens, was performed. In all positive samples, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody ELISA test was performed to extend panel of allergens. Out of 117 selected dogs, 69 were included in the study; 71% were positive and 29% were negative to sSAT. Among the 49 positive sSAT, 53% were positive for both indoor and outdoor, 38.8% only for indoor, and 8.2% only for outdoor allergens. This is the first study on the frequency of allergens involved in CAD in Italy using SAT. IgE hypersensitivity in atopic dogs of Northern Italy is usually associated with indoor allergens, primarily house dust mites. Among the outdoor allergens, an important role was played by Rumex acetosa. Polysensitization also commonly occurs. Therefore, since the numerous factors affect the IgE positivity in CAD, specific panels for geographical areas should be considered and re-evaluated at time intervals.

Detecting common allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis in South Korean Provinces using a serological immunoglobulin E-specific allergen test

“…The condition was assumed to be caused by interactions between the animal's immune system, genetic preparedness (susceptibility), and dietary or environmental allergen exposure [4,5]. CAD can be caused by a variety of allergens, including mites such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, molds such as Aspergillus fumigatus, and a number of trees and grass, meat, and dairy products [6,7]. Approximately 20% of worldwide domestic dogs are affected by CAD [8].…”

“…Thus, doctors employ varying strategies to treat the condition, such as prescribing corticosteroids, emollients, antihistamines, antibiotics, and immunomodulatory drugs [10]. The diagnosis of CAD relies solely on clinical signs and history of exposure to some allergens, such as those mentioned above [6,11]. In fact, the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies (Abs) by plasma cells is triggered by allergen exposure [12].…”

Allergy to Fungi in Veterinary Medicine: Alternaria, Dermatophytes and Malassezia Pay the Bill!

“…In fact, Malassezia had already been demonstrated to trigger a hypersensitivity response in atopic dogs [ 71 ]. As referred by Di Tommaso et al (2021) [ 74 ], the Serum Allergen-Specific IgE Test (SAT) to detect specific IgEs from Malassezia revealed a range of positivity between 0% and 60%. In another recent study, evaluating both IDT and SAT with Malassezia , there was 24% positivity in IDT, whereas no positivity was found in SAT [ 79 ].…”

“…In a study by Di Tommaso et al (2021) [ 74 ], all ( n = 45) dogs subjected to sera determination in an indoor allergen species panel were positive for at least one house-dust or storage mite, 12 for at least one mold species (1 to Malassezia ), 11 to Malassezia and 1 to flea saliva. In fact, Malassezia had already been demonstrated to trigger a hypersensitivity response in atopic dogs [ 71 ].…”

Fungi in Veterinary Medicine: Alternaria, Dermatophytes and Malassezia Pay the Bill!

“…In a study by Di Tommaso et al (2021) (63) all (n = 45) dogs subjected to sera determination in an indoor allergen species panel showed positive for at least one house-dust or storage mite, 12 for at least one mold species (1 to Malassezia), 11 to Malassezia and 1 to flea saliva. In fact,…”