Nonoccupationally induced allergy to monkey

Abstract

A previous study described 2 patients with occupationally induced asthma caused by exposure to monkey. We describe a patient who developed asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis owing to sensitivity to a pet monkey. The patient had a long history of upper and lower allergic airway disease. When 2 pet macaque monkeys were introduced into the home, the patient noticed increasing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. During a particularly long exposure to the monkey in a car, the patient developed severe wheezing, rhinitis, and conjunctival edema. To demonstrate that a nonoccupational exposure to monkey can lead to allergic sensitivity. Commercially obtained macaque monkey hair was defatted in acetone and extracted. A total of 5 microg/mL of extract protein was adsorbed onto microtiter plates, and an alkaline phosphatase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on serum samples from 4 individuals: 2 controls, 1 individual with suspected sensitivity, and the patient. A positive result was an optical density greater than twice that of the control. The patient's serum had an optical density greater than twice that of the control. The antibody levels of 2 control subjects-the patient's wife and one of the investigators-were elevated but not positive. The investigator had manifested asthma after exposure. This is the first report of sensitivity to monkey occurring in a nonoccupational setting.