Respiratory Allergens from Furred Mammals: Environmental and Occupational Exposure

Abstract

Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.

How Working Tasks Influence Biocontamination in an Animal Facility

“…The exposure to biocontaminants is well documented and studied in several occupational settings, and few data are available in animal facilities, although more attention has been addressed to animal allergens. 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].…”

Bedroom Allergen Exposure Beyond House Dust Mites

“…Cats and dogs are the most commonly owned pets; ownership varies around the world, averaging 33% for dogs and 23% cats [21]. Over half of U.S. households have cats or dogs as pets, and their ownership has been increasing over the past decades [22, 23•].…”

“…In fact, one study showed that “hypoallergenic” dogs had higher Can f 1 levels in hair and coat than “non-hypoallergenic” dog breeds [33]. Truly “hypoallergenic” breeds will be difficult to develop because secretion of cat and dog allergens is not limited to the two major allergens, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 [21, 27, 30]. …”

“…Cat and dog allergens are shed into the environment by pet hair, dander, saliva and urine [8, 21]. Allergens accumulate on interior materials, including carpeting, upholstery, and bedding, which serve as continuous reservoirs for these allergens.…”

“…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]. Although allergen levels in these environments are usually much lower than in homes with pets, exposure levels in homes without cats and dogs can exceed thresholds associated with allergic sensitization and asthma morbidity [23•, 36].…”