Abstract
Patients and methodsHerein we report the case of a 60-year-old female patient who for a number of months had presented angioedema of the airways repeatedly after sexual intercourse. The allergological investigations militated in favour of an allergy to seminal fluid with specific IgE directed against seminal fluid positive at 1.55 kIU/L. Dog IgE was positive and Can f 5 (canine prostatic kallikrein) was positive at 63 kIU/L. Questioning revealed that the patient had acquired a new dog a year earlier. Her new dog is a male bichon whereas before she had a female dog. Use of condoms prevented further recurrence of angioedema. DiscussionCanine prostatic kallikrein (Can f 5) shares cross-antigenicity with human prostatic kallikrein (PSA protein). This 28-kDa molecule is present in dog urine and dander. Cross-antigenicity sets have been described. Hypersensitivity can occur from the first episode of sexual intercourse as a result of prior sensitisation to canine kallikrein. ConclusionCertain allergies to seminal fluid are linked to cross-antigenicity between canine prostatic kallikrein (Can f 5) and human prostatic kallikrein. The originality of our case lies in the description of an acquired form of allergy to seminal fluid, whose link with the recent acquisition of a male dog appears relevant.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
