Animal Allergens Research Articles

Larger Airway Functions in Poultry and Dairy Confinement Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The peak expiratory flow (PEF) test is a crucial tool for assessing larger airway functions, particularly in individuals exposed to occupational hazards. This study aims to compare PEF values between animal workers (poultry and dairy farm workers) who are regularly exposed to animal allergens and other respiratory irritants and normal workers who do not have such exposures. A cohort of animal workers from poultry and dairy farms were evaluated alongside a control group of normal workers without known respiratory hazards. PEF measurements were taken using a computerized spirometer, and results were analyzed to determine differences in respiratory function between the two groups. There was a significant difference in PEF values, with animal workers exhibiting lower PEF compared to their control group. Further, poultry farm workers had a significant decrease in PEF when compared to dairy farm workers. This study represents a pioneering effort in the comparative analysis of respiratory health among workers in poultry and dairy farms. The findings indicate that occupational exposure to allergens and irritants associated with animal environments may have deleterious effects on respiratory health. Further analysis, controlling for confounding variables such as smoking status, age, and baseline health conditions, reinforces the initial observation of compromised respiratory function in animal workers. This study underscores the importance of regular respiratory health monitoring and implementation of protective measures for individuals in occupations with high exposure to respiratory irritants. Enhanced awareness and preventive strategies could mitigate the long-term health impacts on animal workers, ensuring safer working environments and improved overall health outcomes.

B-060 Prevalence of CCD and profilins antibodies in a seasonal allergy study

Abstract Background Allergen sources are complex and heterogeneous mixtures of proteins, which may contain from innocuous IgE-binding structures such as CCDs (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants), which are not associated with symptoms, to a panallergen such as profilin, which is associated with multiple sensitizations to pollen and pollen-food-latex syndromes. CCDs are present in many plant and animal allergens and cause strong cross-reactivity due to the high similarity of their structure. They complicate the interpretation of positive in vitro diagnostic results because they do not associate symptomatology and, thats why, the determination of specific IgE antibodies against CCDs can provide useful information when positive IgE results are not consistent with the clinical picture. Profilins are ubiquitous proteins present in all eukaryotic cells and identified as allergens in pollen, latex and plant foods. The highly conserved structure explains the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies against plant profilins and their designation as panallergens. As a panallergen, profilin is associated with multiple pollen sensitization and pollen-food-latex syndromes that the allergist must be aware of for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of allergic diseases. We intend to evaluate the prevalence of these two markers with a new diagnostic tool, since profilins and CCDs are the substances most likely to cause in vitro cross-reactivity. Methods In our study 8,242 adults who presented rhinoconjunctivitis and visited their primary care center were included. The samples were analyzed in serum samples which were routinely processed in our laboratory with the EUROLINE Mediterranean Inhalation 2 (IgE) assay from Euroimmun® from February to July 2023, according to the manufacturer’s protocols. Patients with specific IgE levels ≥ 0.35 kU/L were identified as sensitized to allergen. Results A total of 8,242 patients were enrolled in this study, 5,173 women and 3,069 men, ranging in age from 15 to 65 years. Of these, 279 patients (3.39%) had antibodies against CCD, 570 (6.92%) antibodies against profilins and 183 (2.22%) had both. A higher prevalence of these antibodies was observed in men (CCD, n = 168, 5.47%; Profilins, n = 308, 10.04%) than in women (CCD, n = 111, 2.15%; Profilins, n = 262, 5.06%). Both markers were more frequently found in the presence of specific IgE antibodies to grass and weed pollens. Conclusions The possibility of detecting the presence of IgE antibodies against CCD and panallergenic profilins is useful to detect cross-reactivity in vitro, which could explain the differences found between laboratory results and patients' symptoms, helping the allergist to make a diagnosis with greater certainty and accuracy.

Respiratory Status in Children and Exposure to Animal Allergens-The Problem of Reverse Causality in Cross-Sectional Studies.

Some epidemiological studies suggest that early exposure to animal allergens during infancy reduces the risk of bronchial asthma in school-age children. However, the observed associations in some cases may be an effect of the study used (epidemiological observational studies, especially a cross-sectional study) and indicate reverse causality. This study aimed to determine the association between exposure to animal allergens and the prevalence of respiratory diseases, including bronchial asthma, considering the potential impact of reverse causality on the observed relationships. An analysis of data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in 2020 involving 3237 primary school students aged 7-15 years in the Silesian Province (Southern Poland) was carried out. The parents of students completed a questionnaire based on The International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The relationship between the occurrence of chronic cough, wheezing, and dyspnea in the last 12 months, night waking due to dyspnea, and asthma in the presence of pets was assessed. Exposure to animal allergens was determined by answering the question, "Are there any furry or feathered animals in the home?" with three response options: "yes; they have been in the past; no" (Scenario 1). For the analyses and to reveal a potential reverse causality effect, the last two response categories regarding pet ownership were combined to form a "no" category in Scenario 2, and the first two answers were combined into a "yes" category in Scenario 3. A chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between variables, and a statistical significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Chronic cough affected 9.5% of children, wheezing in the last 12 months-9.2%, night waking due to dyspnea-5.8%, dyspnea in the last 12 months-4.8%, bronchial asthma-9.2%. Analysis considering the category of having or not having pets (yes vs. no) showed that bronchial asthma was statistically significantly more common in children who did not have pets at home (10.9% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.002). A similar situation was observed for wheezing in the past 12 months (10.7% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.01) and nocturnal awakening due to dyspnea (6.8% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were observed for the other symptoms. Analysis by time of pet ownership (a. present; b. present but in the past; c. not present) highlighted similar relationships. Asthma (a. 7.7% vs. b. 13.4% vs. c. 7.7%; p = 0.004), wheezing in the past 12 months (a. 8.1% vs. b. 8.9% vs. c. 10.9%, p = 0.03) and night waking (a. 5.0% vs. b. 4.5% vs. c. 7.1%; p = 0.04) were more common in children without pets and those who had owned pets in the past. The highest proportion of children with asthma was in homes where pets were present in the past. Analyses indicating a relationship between a higher prevalence of asthma and some respiratory symptoms, and the absence of pets cannot be considered as a casual association. The analysis conducted did not reveal a reverse causality effect. The results of observational epidemiological studies, especially a cross-sectional study, should always be interpreted with caution, considering possible distortions and conclusions drawn.

Furry animal allergen components diagnosis: identification of main components and clinical management strategies

Furry animal allergens, particularly cat and dog hair and dander, are common allergens in indoor environments, affecting the health of people world widely. Key sensitizing components such as Fel d 1 from cats and Can f 1 from dogs have been extensively studied and identified by the scientific community. Component resolved diagnosis (CRD) technology in modern diagnostic methods provides an accurate way to identify and distinguish these components, which is extremely important for the prevention of furry animal allergies and the formulation of personalized treatment strategies. To enhance the understanding of furry animal component diagnosis and promote the alignment of the Chinese discipline of allergology with international standards, this article interprets and explains the content of the "Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0" recently released by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It focuses on the epidemiological characteristics of furry animal components, the diversity of allergen protein families, and their clinical diagnosis and management.

Allergen immunotherapy for rare allergens

Among allergies to aeroallergens, approximately 20% are allotted to the so-called rare allergens. These include ash pollen, weed pollen, storage mites, molds, and animal allergens. The prevalences of allergies to these allergens are lower, but affected patients also suffer considerably from their "rare" allergy. Hence, these allergies should neither be overseen nor completely forgotten in daily practice. Especially mold, mite, and animal allergens often induce asthma, so that the significance of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) should not be neglected in causal therapy. This work summarizes the current state of knowledge on the groups of rare aeroallergens in terms of characteristics, prevalences, and data on AIT. It is based on asystematic literature search performed in the MEDLINE (PubMed®) and Google Scholar databases. AIT preparations for rare allergens are classified as individual formulations and are not subject to the German Therapy Allergen Ordinance. Due to the low case numbers, the levels of evidence for these formulations are not as high as those for dust mites, grass, or birch pollen, but exhibit good efficacy in practical experience.

ПРОФИЛИ МОЛЕКУЛЯРНОЙ СЕНСИБИЛИЗАЦИИ К АЛЛЕРГЕНАМ ПУШНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

Molecular sensibilization patterns have not been yet described for the Russian population, which makes it difficult to develop prevention, elimination and treatment methods for patients with allergic pathology. The purpose of this research was to analyze patterns of sensibilization to components of fur animal allergens in patients examined in order to exclude the sensibilization. Materials and methods used: results of 1113 Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC) in patients with suspected atopy were analyzed. In all patients, sIgE concentrations to allergenic components of fur animals were determined. Results: 468 (58.21%) of 1113 were found to have sensibilization to fur animal allergens. Of these, 396 (84.62%) were sensibilized to the cat, 277 (59.19%) to the dog, 98 (20.94%) to the horse, and 26 (5.55%) to the mouse. sIgE to Fel d 1 was determined in 90.91% of patients with cat sensibilization, and the median concentration of sIgE to Fel d 1 was higher than to Fel d 2 (p=0.011) and Fel d 4 (p&lt;0.001) (5.4 [1,7; 15]). ISU-E, sIgE to Can f 1 was detected in 73.29%, to Can f 2 - in 18.05%, to Can f 5 - in 41.52% of patients sensibilized to dogs. Among children under 9 y/o, the frequency of detection of sensitization to Can f 5 was less frequent than in the group of children aged over 10 y/o and adults (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: the Russian population is characterized by a high prevalence of sensibilization to fur animal allergens. Most patients had polysensibilization to components of cat (Fel d 1) and dog (Can f 1, 2 and 5) allergens. It was revealed that Can f 2 has a higher allergenic potential, which in its turn allows it to be identified as a major dog allergen. 92.55% of patients with sensibilization to Fur-bearing animals have an increased risk of developing asthma.

Pets, furry animal allergen components, and asthma in childhood

AbstractBackgroundThe use of component‐resolved allergy diagnostics has provided a clearer understanding of the species‐specific sensitization and severity of potential allergic reactions. This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine whether sensitization to allergen components in furry animals is indicative of blood eosinophilia, a positive fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test, abnormal lung function, and asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, we investigated whether having pets during childhood affects the development of asthma or allergic sensitization to furry animals.MethodsWe recruited 203 children aged 4–17 years with asthma diagnosis based on abnormal lung function and 33 controls. IgE‐sensitization to allergen components for dogs, cats, and horses was analyzed using a multiplex microarray. Children were tested with FeNO, impulse oscillometry, spirometry, methacholine challenge, and skin prick test. A questionnaire was used to investigate pet ownership and symptom profile.ResultsFeNO results and blood eosinophilia revealed a correlation with sensitization to all furry animal allergens, particularly lipocalins (r = 0.203–0.560 and 0.206–0.560, respectively). Can f 3 was found to correlate with baseline R5 (r = 0.298). No association between methacholine challenge results and sensitization to furry animal allergens was found. Children with asthma who were sensitized to Can f 1, Can f 6, or both frequently reported asthma symptoms. Dog ownership was associated with a lower level of IgE‐sensitization to lipocalins, fewer asthma symptoms, and less blood eosinophilia.ConclusionFurry animal allergen component IgE‐sensitization is a risk factor for type 2‐inflammation and asthma symptoms.

Сенсибилизация к эпидермальным аллергенам у детей с аллергопатологией: 30-летний мониторинг

Aim: to analyze changes in sensitization to common epidermal allergens over time in children with allergic diseases in a metropolitan area. Patients and Methods: summary and analysis of 26,343 skin prick test protocols of children aged 4–18 years who were examined and treated between 1989 and 2019 were performed. A standard skin scarification test was used to determine an individual's sensitivity to common epidermal allergens, including feline, canine, sheep, and equine hair/epidermis, pillow feathers, and human hair, using a drop of water-salt allergen extract. To calculate the average exponents, i.e., the annual level and severity of sensitization, visual scoring (+1, +2, +3, +4) was used. This was done by calculating the percentage ratio of the number of patients with hypersensitivity to the allergen to the total number of patients examined for this allergen during a particular year. The proportion of low (1-2) and high (3-4) scores were also compared. Results: the cohort of allergic children was followed up for 30 years, during which there was a constant increase in IgE-hypersensitivity to epidermal allergens. Specifically, there was an 8.5-fold increase in sensitivity to feline hair/epidermis, with a 27.5-fold increase in the proportion of children scoring 3–4 points. Sensitivity to canine hair/epidermis increased by 5.2 times, while sensitivity to horse dander increased by 24%, sheep's hair by 23.7%, pillow feather by 2.7 times, and human hair by 2.8 times. Meanwhile, a retrospective analysis has shown a slowdown in the rate of increase in the number of sensitized patients and a decrease in the severity of specific hypersensitivity, mainly in the range of 1–2 points, over the last 15 years. Conclusion: the retrospective analysis indicates a progressive increase in epidermal sensitization to all studied allergens, with a general increase in the severity of hypersensitivity. This suggests an increase in close direct and indirect contacts with animals, as well as the potential effect of aggressive urban ecology on the immune balance of a growing child and the transformation of immunogenicity of animal allergens themselves. Given this, it is important to consider the efficacy of elimination measures and the choice of effective methods for preventing epidermal allergy. This includes the formation of immune tolerance to ensure reliable and long-term protection. KEYWORDS: animal allergens, epidermal allergy, children, sensitization monitoring, increased hypersensitivity; perspectives. FOR CITATION: Bardenikova S.I., Lokshina E.E., Dovgun O.B., Shavlokhova L.A., Bogdanova N.A., Serebrovskaya N.B., Mstislavskaya S.A., Kuznetsov G.B. Sensitization to epidermal allergens in children with allergic disorders: a 30-year follow-up study. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2024;8(3):118–123 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2024-8-3-1.

Animal exposure, sensitization, and allergic symptoms in first-year veterinary medicine students.

The AllergoVet study longitudinally examines the influence of animal exposure on the development of sensitization and allergic diseases among veterinary medicine students. In this group, contact to animals usually existed long before the study began. Therefore, the aim of this analysis was to investigate lifelong animal species-specific exposure and the prevalence of sensitizations and allergic symptoms already existing before the start of the study. Questionnaire data, including exposure history, were summarized to determine the duration and intensity of animal-related exposure as well as the prevalence of allergic symptoms to animals. Serologically, specific IgE was determined against ubiquitous inhalant allergens (atopy screen sx1) and against animal allergens using ImmunoCAP. The association between animal-specific sensitization, allergic symptoms, and exposure was analyzed using Fisher's exact test or Cochran-Armitage trend test. All study participants (n=313) had previous contact with animals, with dogs mentioned most frequently (91.1%) followed by cats (89.5%) and horses (72.2%). Sensitization to ubiquitous allergens (positive sx1 value) was detected in 38.4% of subjects. Approximately 11%, 7%, and 5% were sensitized to cats, dogs, and horses, respectively. Only a small proportion of these sensitizations were associated with self-reported symptoms (41% for cat, 9% for dog, and 13% for horse). While no significant association between animal-specific exposure and sensitization was found for cats and horses, a clear trend emerged for dogs. With increasing duration of exposure to dogs, the number of dog-specific sensitizations decreased significantly (p=0.0069). Furthermore, a decreasing trend in sx1 sensitization was noted with increasing cat (p=0.0288) and dog (p=0.0107) exposure. None of the subjects who grew up on a farm (n=40) had any sensitization to animals. The sensitization prevalence determined among first-year students in veterinary medicine roughly corresponds to that in the general population. Most animal sensitizations were not clinically relevant. In this collective, a protective effect of increasing exposure to animals in childhood and adolescence was found on sensitization, which was particularly pronounced during contact with dogs.

Could mosquito bites facilitate IgE sensitization to food and inhalant allergens?

We present an hypothesis that arthropod bites and stings can induce sensitization to concomitantly introduced food and inhalant allergens in human, and that contents of the sting and bite such as venom and saliva proteins act as adjuvants further facilitating sensitization. In food allergen sensitization, evidence presently supports the hypothesis that exposure through a disrupted skin-barrier is allergenic, and exposure to food proteins through ingestion is tolerogenic. Stinging and biting arthropods that breach skin barrier are known to provide IgE sensitization to their own venom and salivary allergens e. g. Hymenoptera and mosquito. Murine experiments have shown that content of venom from honeybee (phospholipase 2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase) facilitate IgE sensitization to a concomitantly introduced food allergen in the skin. Conserved biomolecules in saliva and venom present in several arthropod species (e.g. PLAs and hyaluronidases) are suggested to play a role as adjuvants in sensitization to concomitantly presented allergens during arthropod stings and bites. Tick bites have been shown to provide IgE sensitization to tick salivary allergens and IgE sensitization to non-primate mammalian red blood cell allergen Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, causing allergy to non-primate red meat, termed Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).Mosquitos may take up allergens such as pathogenesis related proteins (e.g. lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and PR-10) when feeding on plant nectar and sap and may take up animal derived allergens such as immunoglobulins, serum albumins and lipocalins from feeding on blood. It is proposed that plant and animal allergens, important in human allergic disease are carried on mouthparts or in gut of mosquitos and transferred into the skin of a human host during a mosquito bite. We hypothesize that sensitization to common food and inhalant allergens can occur facilitated by a mosquito bite, possibly facilitated by adjuvant factors such as PLA2 and hyaluronidase in mosquito saliva. The hypothesis may provide insight into basic mechanisms in IgE sensitization.

Albumins represent highly cross-reactive animal allergens.

Albumins from animals are highly cross-reactive allergens for patients suffering from immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy. Approximately 20-30% of cat and dog allergic patients show IgE reactivity and mount IgE-mediated allergic reactions to cat and dog albumin. It is astonishing that allergic patients can develop specific IgE responses against animal albumins because these proteins exhibit a more than 70% sequence identity to human serum albumin (HSA) which is the most abundant protein in the blood of the human body. The sequence identity of cat albumin (Fel d 2) and dog albumin (Can f 3) and HSA are 82% and 80%, respectively. Given the high degree of sequence identity between the latter two allergens and HSA one would expect that immunological tolerance would prohibit IgE sensitization to Fel d 2 and Can f 3. Here we discuss two possibilities for how IgE sensitization to Fel d 2 and Can f 3 may develop. One possibility is the failed development of immune tolerance in albumin-allergic patients whereas the other possibility is highly selective immune tolerance to HSA but not to Fel d 2 and Can f 3. If the first assumption is correct it should be possible to detect HSA-specific T cell responses and HSA-containing immune complexes in sensitized patients. In the latter scenario few differences in the sequences of Fel d 2 and Can f 3 as compared to HSA would be responsible for the development of selective T cell and B cell responses towards Fel d 2 as well as Can f 3. However, the immunological mechanisms of albumin sensitization have not yet been investigated in detail although this will be important for the development of allergen-specific prevention and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) strategies for allergy to albumin.

Changes in Sensitization Rate to Inhalation Allergy in Busan Area Over Past 40 Years

Background and Objectives This study analyzed skin prick tests conducted on respiratory allergy patients in the Busan area for a 40-year period and estimated future changes in inhaled allergens.Subjects and Method This study conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent skin prick tests for respiratory allergies at two hospitals. We analyzed 5942 test results out of the total tests of 6174 recorded from 1982 to 2021.Results For over 40 years, the main inhalant allergens in the Busan area, including house dust mites (HDM), pollen, have been found to be similar to those in other regions. The sensitization rate of HDM was very high, around 50%-60%, in the early 1990s and the early 2010s, and it showed a gradual increase over time. The sensitization rate of pollen were high at 10- year cycles. The sensitization rate of tree pollens showed a decreasing trend after reaching its peak in the late 1980s, but has been steadily increasing since the 2010s, with a sharp rise (over 25%) observed in 2019-2020. The sensitivity to weed and grass pollens was relatively high in the late 1990s and late 2000s, and exhibited a declining trend since. Among the animal allergens, the sensitization rate of cat allergen was the highest (45%).Conclusion We identified high rates of sensitization to house dust mites and tree pollens, and age-related changes over time. With the increasing prevalence of pet ownership, further research is necessary to monitor sensitization changes. Additionally, due to climate change, continuous monitoring of allergen sensitization rates to pollens and molds is called for.

Exposure levels of animal allergens, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan on a university campus of veterinary medicine.

The study aimed to determine the allergen, endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan concentrations at various areas on a university campus of veterinary medicine. Dust samples were collected four times a year for three years using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC) at 25 different locations on a campus of veterinary medicine and in laboratories of inorganic chemistry as a control area representing animal-free environment. Major animal allergens from dog, cat, horse, cattle and mouse, domestic mite (DM) allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan were measured using enzyme immunoassays and endotoxin using the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Seasonal, annual and local influences on exposure levels were analyzed using Bayesian mixed models. With the exception of mouse allergens, all other determinants were found in almost all locations on the campus and in the control area, but in up to 10.000-fold variable concentrations. By far the highest levels of feline, canine, equine and bovine allergens were detected in buildings where the respective species were examined. The highest levels of mouse and DM allergens, β-(1,3)-glucan and endotoxin occurred together and were associated with locations where large animals were present. In buildings without animals, allergen levels were considerably lower but still elevated at several locations compared to the control area, especially for dog and horse allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan. Significant seasonal effects were observed for dog, cat, horse and DM allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan. Variations between years were less apparent than between seasons (except for β-(1,3)-glucan). The strongest influencing factor on the concentration of mammalian allergens was the presence of the corresponding animal at the collection site. Seasonal influence on allergen concentrations was observed, while the overall exposure remained constant over the years. At locations with horses, elevated levels of mite allergens, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan can be expected, probably due to passive transfer from stable environment.

Work-Related Stress as a Risk Factor for Farm Injuries in the Central United States

Highlights Operators reporting stress had 1.9 times as many injuries per year compared to those who did not report stress. Stress, sleep deprivation, and fatigue showed a similar positive association with injuries. Hearing loss and exposure to animal and/or chemical-based allergens were also risk factors for injury. Musculoskeletal pain/discomfort was strongly associated with injuries, making it a potential risk factor or a consequence. Abstract. This study evaluated the association of self-reported occupational stress and injury among farm and ranch operators in the central United States. Randomly sampled operators received mail surveys with questions related to injuries, chronic health conditions, work exposures, and preventive measures in 2018 and 2020. Injury risk factors were analyzed using Poisson regression analysis. Out of 6,744 participants, 836 (12%) reported at least one injury in the past 12 months and 1,766 (26%) reported work-related stress. The percentage of those reporting stress was 24% among those with no injuries, 36% among those with one injury, and 66% among those with two or more injuries. Similar percentages across the three injury categories were found for sleep deprivation (21%, 30%, and 51%) and fatigue (25%, 39%, and 66%). A high perceived stress level was a risk factor for injury in the final adjusted model (adjusted Rate Ratio (aRR): 1.93, 95% CI: 1.65 to 2.25) when controlling for hearing loss (aRR: 1.25, CI: 1.25 to 1.75) and exposure to animal and/or chemical based allergens (aRR: 1.49, CI: 1.17 to 1.91). With musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in the model, the association of stress and injuries was attenuated (aRR: 1.54, CI: 1.32 to 1.79) while MSS had a strong association with injuries (aRR: 3.79, CI: 3.00 to 4.78). Stress, sleep deprivation, and fatigue were associated with injuries in a dose-response manner. Preventing injuries among farmers and ranchers requires a focus on stress reduction and related health conditions. Keywords: Agriculture, Fatigue, Hearing Loss, Injury, Musculoskeletal discomfort, Stress.

Allergic rhinitis - a review on recent advances in characteristics, diagnostic and treatments

Introduction: &#x0D; Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterized by nasal discharge or down the back of the throat, sneezing, stuffy or itchy nose. Allergic rhinitis can be caused by various allergens - pollen, house dust mites, animal allergens, fungi. It can occur periodically or chronically, as a year-round allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition, epidemiological studies suggest that it affects 20–30% of adults and up to 40% of children.&#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: &#x0D; The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material and metods: &#x0D; This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed data base. The research was done by looking through key words such as: “allergic rhinitis”, “Local nasal allergy”, “diagnosis” and “treatment”.&#x0D; &#x0D; State of knowledge: &#x0D; The main challenges with allergic rhinitis relate to its treatment. Symptomatic and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used and are not fully effective. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed by history and physical examination, with testing reserved for treatment of nonresponders.&#x0D; &#x0D; Summary: &#x0D; Treatment should be comprehensive and take into account the environment, pharmacotherapy, allergen immunotherapy, if indicated. As a disease that affects many people and significantly reduces the quality of life, allergic rhinitis deserves a thorough understanding of its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Sensitization to Furry Animals in Patients with Suspected Allergic Disease in China: A Multicenter Study.

An objective of this study was to investigate the allergen sensitization characteristics of cat, dog and horse dander in patients with suspected allergic diseases in different geographical regions of Chinese mainland. We invited 2377 patients aged 0-86 years with suspected allergic diseases to participate in a cross-sectional survey in 11 provinces in China. Combined with the questionnaires and animal-specific IgE levels, we analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of furry animal sensitization in different regions and populations of Chinese Mainland. Among the 2377 patients with suspected allergic diseases, 14.9% were sensitized to cat dander, 9.3% to dog dander and 5.5% to horse dander. Animal allergens mainly cause low-level sensitization (class 1-3). There was a significant correlation between cat, dog and horse dander allergen sIgE, with correlation coefficients (rs) all greater than 0.750. The majority (46.5%) of sIgE-positive patients were sensitized to at least two animal allergens simultaneously. The prevalence of these animals all showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with age, and all reached the peak in young adolescence. As for the geographical factors, the sensitization rate of cats and dogs in Western was significantly higher than that in Eastern (cat: 18.4% vs 9.2%, dog: 11.6% vs 5.5%, all P < 0.001), however, no significant differences were found in horses. Aged ≤6 years, living in Western, and high animal allergen exposure elevated the risk of cat or dog sensitization. Living on a lower floor (aOR: 0.56) was a protective factor for horse sensitization. In this representative sample of Chinese patients with suspected allergic diseases, there was an apparent geographic variation in sensitization to cats and dogs. Age factor and living in Western also had a significant impact on animal allergen sensitization rate.

Epidemiological investigation on allergic diseases related to animal dander of cats, dogs and horses

Objective: A multicenter Chinese mainland survey was conducted to investigate the sensitization distribution characteristics of cat, dog and horse dander in patients with allergic diseases, so as to provide clinicians with epidemiological data of common animal allergens and useful information for the prevention and treatment of allergies in cats, dogs and horses. Methods: The epidemiological investigation and design was adopted. This study is based on the national epidemiological survey of allergic diseases led by the first affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. From January to December in 2021, a total of 2 122 patients diagnosed with allergic diseases were included in the outpatient department of respiratory department/pediatrics/allergy department of 14 units such as the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and 222 healthy subjects were included as controls from the physical examination center of the above units in the same period. All the subjects filled out the allergic disease questionnaire under the guidance of doctors, and the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) of cats, dogs and horses of all subjects were detected by magnetic particle chemiluminescence system. The epidemiological characteristics of three animal allergens in different diseases, ages and regions were analyzed. Chi square test was used to analyze the frequency difference between groups, t test or Mann Whitney U test was used to test the distribution difference between two groups, and one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution difference between multiple groups. Bar chart, Venn-plot and radar chart were drawn to show the sensitization distribution characteristics. A small number of missing values caused by subjects' omission have been excluded during the analysis. Results: The 2 122 patients with allergic diseases were 57.35% male (1 217/2 122) and 40.95% female (869/2 122), and 1.70% (36/2 122) patients had loss of gender information. The age of patients with allergic diseases was 9.0 (6.0, 28.0) years, while that of healthy controls was 29.0 (13.0, 39.0) years old, and there were 1.7% (36/2 122) and 0.9% (2/222) subjects with missing age information, respectively. The proportion of caesarean section in allergic patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (31.4% vs. 17.6%,χ2=16.582,P<0.001) [2.5% (54/2 122) of the patient group and 5.4% (12/222) of the control group had missing birth mode information], and the proportion of patients with allergic diseases who reported that both parents had allergic diseases was significantly higher than that of the control group (35.7% vs. 9.5%, χ2=65.171,P<0.001). Patients with allergic diseases are mainly school-age (6-12 years old) and adolescents (12-18 years old). 16.4% of patients with allergic diseases were sensitized to cat dander, 10% and 6% to dog and horse dander. The sensitization rate of cat dander in patients with rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, food allergy and atopic dermatitis was the highest (16.4%-21.6%), followed by dog dander (10.2%-15.2%). The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was the highest among different animal sensitized populations. The proportion of cat, dog and horse allergens sensitized at the same time is between 10%-15%, and the proportion of any two or more animal dander sensitized at the same time is about 45%. Animal allergens are associated with respiratory allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis with allergic conjunctivitis. There were significant differences in the distribution of positive rates of three animal allergens in different regions, and the highest positive rate of cat dander was found in all provinces of the country. Conclusion: The sensitization rate of animal dander allergens increased significantly, and the highest was in children and adolescents. Cat dander is the most common animal allergen, followed by dog. Different animals show obvious cross or common sensitization due to their high homology.

Additions to the Inventory of the Genus Alternaria Section Alternaria (Pleosporaceae, Pleosporales) in Italy.

The genus Alternaria is comprised of well-known plant pathogens causing various important diseases in plants, as well as being common allergens in animals and humans. Species of Alternaria can be found as saprobes associated with various dead plant materials. This research aims to enhance the taxonomy of saprobic species in the genus Alternaria found on grasses and herbaceous plants from Italy, based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, rpb2, gapdh and Alt-a1 DNA sequence dataset combined with morphological characteristics. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses demonstrated six novel species belonging to the genus Alternaria sect. Alternaria as: A. muriformispora sp. nov., A. obpyriconidia sp. nov., A. ovoidea sp. nov., A. pseudoinfectoria sp. nov., A. rostroconidia sp. nov. and A. torilis sp. nov. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and an updated phylogenetic relationship of taxa in the genus Alternaria sect. Alternaria are provided herein.

Allergic sensitization to lipocalins reflects asthma morbidity in dog dander sensitized children.

BackgroundSensitization to dog is an important risk factor for asthma in children, but the clinical relevance of IgE to available dog‐ and furry animal allergen molecules is uncertain.MethodsSpirometry, methacholine challenge, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, nasal challenge with dog extract and questionnaires were performed in 59 dog‐sensitized children (age 10–18 years). Serum IgE to dog‐, cat‐, horse extracts and the allergen molecules Can f 1–6, Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4 and Equ c 1 were evaluated.ResultsMedian numbers of positive IgE results to furry animal allergen molecules among children without asthma was 3, with asthma 5.5 and with troublesome asthma 9 (asthma vs. no asthma; p = 0.039; troublesome asthma vs. no asthma; p = 0.009). The odds ratio for asthma if sensitized to any lipocalin was 7.2 (95% confidence Interval: 1.44–35.9). Children with troublesome asthma had higher IgE levels to the lipocalins Can f 2, Can f 4 and Can f 6 compared to the rest of the study population (44 vs. 4.1 kUA/L, p = 0.015; 5.8 vs. 0.9 kUA/L, p = 0.018 and 1.3 vs. 0.7 kUA/L, p = 0.03 respectively). Furthermore, a positive nasal challenge was more common among children with troublesome asthma (83% vs. 36%, p = 0.036).ConclusionsPolysensitization to furry animal allergens and lipocalins is associated with asthma in dog‐sensitized children. Children with troublesome asthma have higher IgE levels to several dog lipocalins than other dog sensitized children.Key messagePolysensitization to furry animal allergens and high IgE levels to the dog lipocalins Can f 2, Can f 4 and Can f 6 is associated with asthma severity in dog dander sensitized children. Molecular allergy diagnostics may thus help the clinicians to evaluate the impact of allergic sensitization on asthma morbidity.

Lower Household Income is Associated with Higher Airway Inflammation and Furry Animal Allergen Sensitization in Urban Children with Exacerbation-Prone Asthma

Lower Household Income is Associated with Higher Airway Inflammation and Furry Animal Allergen Sensitization in Urban Children with Exacerbation-Prone Asthma