Furry Animals Research Articles

Component-resolved diagnosis using guinea-pig allergens elucidates allergen sensitization profiles in allergy to furry animals.

BackgroundFurry animals are an important source of indoor allergens. Diagnosis of allergy to small pets such as guinea‐pigs still relies on animal dander extracts which do not allow to define the primary sensitization source.ObjectiveTo identify major guinea‐pig allergens and to evaluate their potential as marker allergens for in vitro IgE‐diagnosis in comparison with dander extracts.MethodsA group of patients allergic to guinea‐pig (n = 29) and a group of patients allergic to cat and dog (n = 30) were recruited for the study. A panel of four guinea‐pig lipocalin allergens was expressed as recombinant proteins in E. coli. Specific IgE were quantified by ImmunoCAP and ELISA.ResultsThe combination of 4 guinea‐pig lipocalin allergens, including 2 new lipocalins, Cav p 1.0201 and Cav p 6.0101, and the previously characterized lipocalins Cav p 2 and Cav p 3, enabled the identification of 90% of all patients allergic to guinea‐pig. The vast majority had specific IgE to Cav p 1 (83%). Cav p 6 shares 54% sequence identity with Fel d 4 and Can f 6 and was found to be IgE‐cross‐reactive with these allergens. In the group of cat‐ and dog‐allergic patients, 73% had also specific IgE to guinea‐pig dander. However, only 27% of the cat /dog‐allergic patients had specific IgE to any of the non‐cross‐reactive guinea‐pig allergens Cav p 1, Cav p 2 or Cav p 3. The high prevalence of IgE to guinea‐pig dander could be explained by IgE‐cross‐reactivity among serum albumins and certain lipocalins.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe availability of specific allergen markers is essential for the assessment of primary sensitization, especially in polysensitized patients. The proposed panel of guinea‐pig allergens Cav p 1, Cav p 2 and Cav p 3 is a first step to component‐resolved IgE‐diagnosis of allergy to small furry pets.

Innovative technology to obtain forage flour from keratin-containing waste by extrusion

When processing animals and birds in the form of by-products, a fairly large amount of keratin-containing waste (horns, hooves, hair, wool, fluff and feather) was formed. In secondary poultry evisceration products, almost 80% of the protein is found in feather-down raw materials, so solving the problem of converting pen keratin into a digestible form is more important from the point of view of mobilization of native protein reserves and environmental problems. To produce a high-quality feed product, which preserves the biological value of the raw materials as much as possible, it is necessary to minimize the time of heat treatment. At the same time, it is desirable to use cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies. The latest biological waste recycling techniques that meet these requirements include extrusion technologies. The article proposes the technology of obtaining a forage protein supplement, which can completely replace fish flour in the diet without reducing the zootechnical and feasibility indicators of growing poultry, valuable species of fish and furry animals. The main advantage is that none of the existing technologies in the world without rigorous chemical treatment is not able to bring the digestion of keratin of feather raw materials to 85-90 % in 1.5 minutes of processing with maximum preservation of the most valuable amino acids. We presented the results of the production check on the effectiveness of feeding extruded feed with feed additive from keratin-containing waste for fish, providing a significant increase in body weight growth and improvement of meat.

Sensitization to cat and dog components and prediction of symptoms in cat-sensitized children.

Sensitization to cat and/or dog allergens during childhood represents a risk factor for the development of allergic diseases later in life. The study investigated the association of patterns of sensitization to cat and dog allergen components with clinical symptoms of allergy to these furry animals among cat-sensitized children. The children were evaluated for the presence of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Their mothers completed a questionnaire on pet exposure at home. Levels of serum IgE cat epitopes Fel d (1, 2, 4), as well as dog components Can f (1, 2, 3, 5) were measured in all the studied children. Respiratory symptoms following exposure to the cat allergen were most common in children with Fel d 2 epitope (p = 0.041). After contact with a dog, respiratory symptoms were most common in children with Can f 1 epitope (p = 0.042), atopic dermatitis in children with sensitization to both Can f 1 (p = 0.009) and Can f 2 (p = 0.002), whereas eye symptoms occurred mostly in children with Can f 3 (p = 0.039). Molecular diagnosis in patients with pet allergy may help clinicians to predict clinical symptoms and their severity.

Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzycki

Reviewed by: Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzycki Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Biedrzycki, David Invasion of the Unicorns; written and illus. by David Biedrzycki. Charlesbridge, 2021 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781623542726 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781632898913 $9.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-6 yrs Tasked with determining if Earth is ripe for invasion by the unicorn army, Secret Agent Bubble07, looking exactly like a toy stuffed unicorn, infiltrates an arcade claw machine and is soon brought home by a clueless Earthling child. Humans are a confusing bunch, Bubble07 reports to the unicorns’ Fearless Leader, letting dirty furry animals into their home, riding on a yellow transport with other noisy Earthlings, and sitting around a fire eating “something called Sa-morrs.” By day 32, the agent is ready to call in a rescue—but wait: then there’s snow, and cake, and bedtime stories, and hugs, and maybe Earth isn’t so bad after all. This is a playful little tale with a touch of ironic humor, and Bubble07’s dutiful reporting makes a amusing contrast to the visual details. The illustrations are compellingly structured, as the book begins in mostly black and white, echoing a mixture of Brian Selznick’s graceful shading with Dan Santat’s goofy cartooning, and then carefully moves into a world of color with unicorn pastels and cheerful pops of brightness. While some human figures are stiff and awkward, the stubby-legged, slightly poofy unicorn and their brown-skinned Earthling child make an adorable pair. This is clever in its sweetness, and sharp-eyed viewers will enjoy catching the occasionally appearing llama who mischievously eyes the audience throughout the book, perhaps on a mission of reconnaissance as well. Copyright © 2021 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Allergic sensitization pattern of patients in Brazil

ObjectiveAllergic sensitization is one of the key components for the development of allergies. Polysensitization seems to be related to the persistence and severity of allergic diseases. Furthermore, allergic sensitization has a predictive role in the development of allergies. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of sensitization of atopic patients treated at different pediatric allergy referral centers in Brazil. MethodsA nation-wide transversal multicenter study collected data on patients attended in Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of allergen-specific IgE. If allergen-specific IgE was higher than 0.1 kUA/L, the following specific components were quantified. ResultsA total of 470 individuals were enrolled in the study. Mite sensitization was the most frequent kind in all participants. A high frequency of sensitization to furry animals and grasses featured in the respiratory allergies. Regarding components, there was a predominance of sensitization to Der p 1 and Der p 2. It has been verified that having a food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity are risk factors for the development of more severe allergic disease. ConclusionStudies on the pattern of allergic sensitization to a specific population offer tools for the more effectual prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases. Sensitization to dust mites house was the most prevalent in the evaluated sample. High rates of sensitization to furry animals also stand out. Patients with food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity appear to be at greater risk for developing more severe allergic diseases.

Sensitization to Furry Animals and Clinical Relevance of House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Rhinitis in Guangzhou, China

Introduction: The impact of furry animal allergens on house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) is unclear. Objective: We aimed to investigate the co-sensitization and cross-sensitization of furry animal allergens and assess their clinical relevance with HDM-induced AR. Methods: We enrolled 268 patients with HDM-induced AR who were diagnosed with skin prick tests positive for dogs and/or cats. Specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) for dogs (e1) and cats (e2), their components (Can f 1–5 and Fel d 1–2), and other uncommon furry animal extracts were measured. Symptoms and quality of life were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: The VAS scores for the AR and asthma (AS; n = 166), moderate-to-severe persistent-AR (n = 132), and e1P (positive)-e2P (n = 89) groups were higher than those for single AR (n = 102), other AR classifications, and other AR sensitization profiles, respectively. The IgE positivity rates for components such as Can f 1–3 and Fel d 2 and those for rats, sheep, mice, cows, and horses were highest in e1P-e2P patients. Can f 1–4, Fel d 1, Fel d 2, or the combined allergens were positively correlated with VAS scores. AR combined with AS and sensitization to Can f 4, Fel d 1, or mice were risk factors for HDM-induced AR with VAS scores ≥5. Conclusions: Extensive cross-sensitization or co-sensitization was found between Can f 1–3, Fel d 2, or rat, sheep, mouse, cow, and horse extracts. Higher sIgE levels for Can f 1–4 and Fel d 1–2 or a higher number of furry animal allergens lead to more severe symptoms and a reduced quality of life. Combined with AS, sensitization to Can f 4, Fel d 1, or mice were risk factors for moderate-to-severe HDM-induced AR.

Stretchable Composite Acoustic Transducer for Wearable Monitoring of Vital Signs.

A highly flexible, stretchable, and mechanically robust low-cost soft composite consisting of silicone polymers and water (or hydrogels) is reported. When combined with conventional acoustic transducers, the materials reported enable high performance real-time monitoring of heart and respiratory patterns over layers of clothing (or furry skin of animals) without the need for direct contact with the skin. The approach enables an entirely new method of fabrication that involves encapsulation of water and hydrogels with silicones and exploits the ability of sound waves to travel through the body. The system proposed outperforms commercial, metal-based stethoscopes for the auscultation of the heart when worn over clothing and is less susceptible to motion artefacts. The system both with human and furry animal subjects (i.e., dogs), primarily focusing on monitoring the heart, is tested; however, initial results on monitoring breathing are also presented. This work is especially important because it is the first demonstration of a stretchable sensor that is suitable for use with furry animals and does not require shaving of the animal for data acquisition.

Nasal Provocation Test with Cat and Dog Extracts: Results according to Molecular Components.

Background IgE sensitization (atopy) to pets is commonly evaluated using pet dander extracts. However, the diagnosis by components seems to be more adequate to evaluate the clinical relevance (allergy) of sIgE sensitization. Objective To study the association between IgE sensitization to pet allergen components and clinical symptoms. Methodology. Dander extracts and sIgE levels to pet components (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5, Fel d 1, Fel 2, and Fel 4) were measured in a rhinitis group (n = 101) and a control group (n = 101) and a control group (Results Dog (34.6% vs. 23.5%) and cat dander (26.7% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.05) IgE sensitization was frequent among rhinitis and no-rhinitis subjects, and it was similar to dog (29.7% vs. 20.5%) and cat (18.8% vs. 8.8%) components. Polysensitization for dog (3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.1, p = 0.05) IgE sensitization was frequent among rhinitis and no-rhinitis subjects, and it was similar to dog (29.7% vs. 20.5%) and cat (18.8% vs. 8.8%) components. Polysensitization for dog (3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.1, p = 0.05) IgE sensitization was frequent among rhinitis and no-rhinitis subjects, and it was similar to dog (29.7% vs. 20.5%) and cat (18.8% vs. 8.8%) components. Polysensitization for dog (3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.1, Conclusions Sensitization to pet dander extract identifies atopic patients, but its utility to predict clinical relevance is poor. Allergenic components could help to define the clinical relevance of sensitization to furry animals and could reduce the need for provocation test.

Snöfrid aus dem Wiesental: Daoist Themes in a German Children's Book

Snöfrid aus dem WiesentalDaoist Themes in a German Children's Book Timo Dittrich (bio) The German writer Andreas Schmachtl, well known for his children's books starring small animals—notably a little white mouse called Tilda Appleseed, whose stories are now an animated TV series—recently published a new series, Snöfrid aus dem Wiesental (Snöfrid of Meadow Valley) (2015; 2016; 2017).1 Click for larger view View full resolution The books feature a furry creature that resembles a marmot and is about knee high. Its name Snöfrid designates the species, but because Snöfrids are so rare, it also serves as his personal name. The creature lives in the far north of the planet, in an area called Meadow Valley on the slopes of a mountain under a rock. Snöfrid spends his days enjoying life, eating oats, and foraging for berries. Occasionally he helps himself to some milk in the nearest human village. [End Page 199] Many aspects of this creature resemble Daoist themes, especially those related to immortals or transcendents (xian 仙). Many stories in ancient China, notably collected by Ge Hong 葛洪 (283-343) in his Shenxian zhuan 神仙傳 (Traditions of Divine Transcendents; trl. Campany 2002), tell about their endeavors: they usually lived as hermits removed from society, were immune to heat and cold, exercised magical powers far beyond those of mere mortals, and interacted in often rather eccentric ways with ordinary society. These characteristics also apply to Snöfrid. He lives on a remote mountain, withstands the cold, displays power over animals and the elements, and interacts with others without any status constraints. In addition, he also embodies various other Daoist themes, such as a closeness to nature, free and easy wandering, sitting in forgetfulness, and more. It is not entirely surprising that Daoist themes are essential in a children's book. After all, in the Daoist classics, children are as close to the natural state as is humanly possible, able to be active for long hours without tiring and open to free and clear perception, quite free from societal constraints. A case in point in a modern context is the experiment run by the Washington Post: one of the world's top violinists played at 7:51 a.m. on a Friday morning in the arcade of a Metro Station in Washington, DC while dressed as a street performer. Of the 1,097 passers-by, only seven listened for more than a minute, two appreciated the skill and stayed as long as they could, while one person recognized the performer and stayed for the rest of the performance. No one stayed for more than nine minutes. And yet, each and every child who walked past wanted to stay on and listen. While the adults were too busy, the children exhibited an unperturbed curiosity, open to the wonders of life (Cline 2015, 180). The Hermit Life Snöfrid, too, has this quality. He is a little furry animal, about a foot tall who lives as a hermit under a boulder on a mountainside, a good distance from the nearest human village. He enjoys nothing more than to be left alone and rarely encounters anyone, not even another Snöfrid, who are generally quite rare (Schmachtl 2015, ch. 1). The hermit life echoes the proto-Daoist tradition of the masters of methods (fangshi 方士), forerunners of the school of Numinous Treasure [End Page 200] (Lingbao 靈寶) who stayed away from society to pursue the path of immortality. Living far away from society, they were "unlike any other class of being" (Campany 2009, 49), quite like the Snöfrids. However, as Robert Campany points out, if they really had nothing to do at all with society, how come we know about them? In ancient China, stories about them circulated in society and were collected by people who were either practitioners of the arts of transcendence or had seekers in their family. In his preface to the hagiographies about immortals, Ge Hong mentions that he, too, collected existing works (Campany 2002, 99). In that sense, a historical claim is made, namely that these aren't simply his inventions. The same holds true for the older Liexian zhuan 列仙傳 (Arrayed Biographies...

Keep the cat, change the care pathway: A transformational approach to managing Fel d 1, the major cat allergen.

BackgroundAllergies to cats are the most common animal‐origin allergy, and affect approximately 1 in 5 adults worldwide. The prevalence of allergy to furry animals has been increasing, and allergy to cats is a major risk factor for the development of asthma and rhinitis. The diagnosis of cat allergy is now well established. The exact significance of component‐resolved diagnosis in the diagnosis of cat allergy remains to be fully understood. Allergen avoidance is effective but often has a psychologic impact. Allergen immunotherapy is not well demonstrated. There is a need for innovative approaches to better manage cat allergens. Next‐generation care pathways for asthma and rhinitis will define the place of cat allergen avoidance.Methods and ResultsThis manuscript, based on content presented at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress 2019, provides information on the prevalence and impact of cat allergies and the molecular biology of Fel d 1, the major cat allergen.DiscussionThe authors present the scientific basis of a novel care pathway that utilizes anti‐Fel d 1 IgY antibodies to safely and effectively neutralize Fel d 1 after its production by the cat but before human exposure.ConclusionEfficacy of a feline diet with an egg product ingredient containing anti‐Fel d 1 IgY antibodies was demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, and further validated by a pilot exposure study involving cat‐allergic human participants.

Characterization of sensitization to furry animal allergen components in an adult population.

There are paucity of data on sensitization to furry animal allergen components in adults. Furry animals are major sensitizers and contributors to asthma burden in northern Europe and North America. To characterize sensitization patterns to furry animal allergen components in Swedish adults. Based on the West Sweden Asthma Study, a random population (n=1103) and an asthma sample (n=769) were tested for allergen sensitization using Phadiatop® . Those with IgE≥0.35kUA /L were tested for cat (Fel d 1, 2, and 4), dog (Can f 1, 2, 3, and 5), and horse (Equ c 1) allergen component sensitization. We defined allergen component poly-sensitization patterns, identified data-driven sensitization clusters, described component sensitization overlaps, and assessed determinants of sensitization patterns. The prevalence of allergen component sensitization ranged from 0.8% for Fel d 2 and Can f 3 to 8.9% for Fel d 1. The most common dog component was Can f 5 (3.6%); 2.1% were sensitized to Equ c 1. Those sensitized to Fel d 2 and Fel d 4 were commonly sensitized to Fel d 1. The most common dog component overlap was between Can f 1/Can f 2 and Can f 5. Mono-sensitization was 5.6%, double sensitization 1.5% and poly-sensitization 2.1%. Sensitization was always higher in the asthma than in the random sample. Three sensitization clusters were derived, namely non-sensitized (90% in random vs 66% in asthma sample); Fel d 1-driven sensitized (7% vs 19%); and multi-sensitized (3% vs 15%). Key determinants of sensitization were gender, age, raised on a farm, family history of allergy or asthma, smoking, and occupational exposure to dust or fumes. Fel d 1 and Can f 5 are the most common cat and dog components sensitization in this adult Swedish population. Mono-sensitization is more common than poly-sensitization. This detailed characterization highlights the current distribution of furry animal allergen components in Swedish adults, and their impact on clinical outcomes of asthma will be further explored.

Furry Animal Allergen Component Sensitization and Clinical Outcomes in Adult Asthma and Rhinitis

Sensitization to allergen components has been linked to asthma in children, but studies in adults are lacking. To study the relation of sensitization to furry animal allergen components to risk of asthma, rhinitis, and markers of asthma severity in adults. From the West Sweden Asthma Study, a random population-representative sample of adults aged 16 to 75 years, 2006 participants were clinically examined; 1872 were analyzed for serum IgE level to a mix of aeroallergens. Those with an IgE level of more than 0.35 kUA/L to cat, dog, or horse allergen components were analyzed for specific cat (Felis domesticus [Fel d 1, Fel d 2, and Fel d 4]), dog (Canis familiaris [Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, and Can f 5]), and horse (Equus caballus [Equ c 1]) allergen components. We defined monosensitization, double sensitization, and polysensitization (>2 components) patterns and applied cluster analysis to derive distinct sensitization clusters. Sensitization to each allergen component, lipocalins, each sensitization pattern, and each sensitization cluster (nonsensitized, Fel d 1-driven sensitized, and multisensitized clusters) was associated with substantial increased risk of asthma, rhinitis, concomitant asthma and rhinitis, and Asthma Control Test-controlled asthma. Fel d 1, Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, polysensitization, and multisensitized cluster were further associated with increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide and eosinophil levels, but with lower PD20 methacoline (provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% drop in FEV1) values. There was no association with asthma exacerbations, FEV1 predicted values, emergency visits or regular oral steroid use, and neutrophil levels. Sensitization to furry animal allergen components is an important predictor of asthma, rhinitis, and markers of asthma severity with increased blood eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and airway hyperreactivity.

SELECTION AND GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FOXES AT CAGE BREEDING

SELECTION AND GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FOXES AT CAGE BREEDING

Sensitization to minor cat allergen components is associated with type‐2 biomarkers in young asthmatics

Cat allergy is a major trigger of asthma world-wide. Molecular patterns of cat sensitization vary between individuals, but their relationship to inflammation in asthmatics has not been extensively studied. To investigate the prevalence and levels of IgE antibodies against different cat allergen components and their relationship to type-2 inflammation and total IgE among young asthmatic subjects sensitized to furry animals. Patients with asthma (age 10-35 years; n = 266) and IgE sensitization to cat, dog or horse extract (ImmunoCAP), were analysed for IgE to the cat allergen components Fel d 1 (secretoglobin), Fel d 2 (serum albumin), Fel d 4 and Fel d 7 (lipocalins). Independent associations between IgE-antibody concentrations, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood eosinophil (B-Eos) count, and total IgE were analysed by multiple linear regression after adjustment for possible confounders. The level of IgE against Fel d 2 was independently related to FeNO (P = .012) and total IgE (P < .001), and IgE against Fel d 4 associated with Β-Eos count (P = .009) and total IgE (P < .001). IgE antibodies against Fel d 1 or cat extract did not independently relate to these inflammatory markers (P = .23-.51). Levels of IgE to lipocalin (Fel d 4) and serum albumin (Fel d 2), but not to secretoglobin (Fel d 1) or cat extract, were independently associated with type-2 biomarkers and total IgE in young asthmatics. We suggest that measurement of IgE to minor cat allergen components may be useful when investigating asthma morbidity in cat allergic subjects.

Eating fish and farm life reduce allergic rhinitis at the age of twelve.

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased, but the cause of this rise is partly unknown. Our aim was to analyse the prevalence, risk factors, and protective factors for allergic rhinitis in 12-year-old Swedish children. Data were collected from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of children born in western Sweden in 2003. The parents answered questionnaires when the children were 6months to 12years. The response rate at 12years was 76% (3637/4777) of the questionnaires distributed. At the age of 12, 22% of children had allergic rhinitis and 57% were boys. Mean age at onset was 7.8years, and 55% reported their first symptoms after 8years. The most common trigger factors were pollen (85%), furry animals (34%), and house dust mites (17%). A multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the independent risk factors for allergic rhinitis at 12 were as follows: parental allergic rhinitis (2.32, 1.94-2.77), doctor-diagnosed food allergy in the first year (1.75, 1.21-2.52), eczema in the first year (1.61, 1.31-1.97), and male gender (1.25, 1.06-1.47). Eating fish once a month or more at age of 12months reduced the risk of allergic rhinitis at 12years of age (0.70, 0.50-0.98) as did living on a farm with farm animals at 4years (0.51, 0.32-0.84). Continuous farm living from age 4 to 12 seemed to drive the association. Allergic rhinitis affected > 20% of 12-year-olds, but was lower in children who ate fish at 12months or grew up on a farm with farm animals.

P077 Incongruity in detecting dog sensitized individuals between skin prick and specific dog IgE testing

Allergies to furry animals is a critically important clinical problem. There are over 70 million dogs in US households alone with the frequency of animal allergies increasing worldwide. The accuracy in the diagnosis of dog allergies is critical. Immediate hypersensitivity skin testing (IHST) with dog extracts and dog specific IgE (sIgE) has been used to identify sensitized individuals. We wished to determine how well IHST results correlate with dog sIgE using a cut off of 0.35kU/L as positive.

Allergy to pets and new allergies to uncommon pets.

. Animal dander is an important source of respiratory allergens, and sensitization to allergens from cat and/or dog during childhood represents a risk factor for the development of asthma and rhinitis later in life. The identification and characterization of allergenic components is crucial to improve diagnosis and therapy in patients with allergy to pets. Allergens from furry animals belong to a restricted number of protein families, a large majority are lipocalins or albumins, some are secretoglobins or latherins. Animal dander contains cross-reactive molecules and current efforts aim at defining species-specific allergens that have a high diagnostic sensitivity. Component-resolved diagnosis allows to discriminate genuine sensitization from cross-sensitization. This review contains a detailed description of allergenic components of cat, dog, horse, and small mammalian pets. Sensitizations to exotic pets, a newly emerging issue, are also discussed.

High incidence and persistence of airborne allergen sensitization up to age 19 years.

Longitudinal population-based studies about the natural history of allergic sensitization are rare. The aim was to study incidence and persistence of airborne allergen sensitization up to young adulthood and risk factors for early and late onset of sensitization. All children aged 7-8 years in two municipalities in Northern Sweden were invited to a parental questionnaire and skin prick tests (SPTs) to ten airborne allergens, and 2148 (88%) participated. The protocol was repeated at age 11-12 and 19 years, and 1516 participated in all three examinations. Prevalence of any positive SPT increased from 20.6% at age 7-8 years to 30.6% at 11-12 years, and 42.1% at 19 years. Animals were the primary sensitizers at age 7-8 years, 16.3%, followed by pollen, 12.4%. Mite and mold sensitization was low. Mean annual incidence of any positive SPT varied between 2.8 and 3.4/100 per year, decreased by age for animal, and was stable for pollen. Sensitization before age 7-8 years was independently associated with family history of allergy, OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.6-2.8), urban living, OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.9), and male sex, OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7), and negatively associated with birth order, OR 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-1.0), and furry animals at home, OR 0.7 (95% CI 0.7-0.9). Incidence after age 11-12 years was associated only with family history of allergy. Multisensitization at age 19 years was significantly associated with early age at sensitization. Remission of sensitization was uncommon. The increasing prevalence of allergic sensitization by age was explained by high incidence and persistence. After age 11-12 years, the factors urban living, number of siblings, and male sex lost their importance.

Evaluation of the association between sensitization to common inhalant fungi and poor asthma control

BackgroundFungi are well-known airborne allergens that are predisposing environmental factors to asthma. Few comparative studies have evaluated sensitization to common inhalant fungi in relation to poor asthma control in patients with asthma. ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between sensitization to individual fungi and asthma control and elucidate the characteristics of patients with poorly controlled asthma sensitized to fungi. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed at Showa University Hospital between September 2014 and December 2014. The specific IgE levels for several major aeroallergens, including house dust mites, Japanese cedar, various types of pollen, furry animals, or insects, were measured with a fluorescent enzyme immunoassay in 160 patients with adult asthma. ResultsFungal sensitization was predominant in men with asthma, and it was associated with poor asthma control. Sensitization to house dust mites, Japanese cedar, pollen, furry animals, or insects was not associated with poor asthma control. Logistic regression analyses revealed that patients sensitized to Aspergillus and Penicillium had a significantly increased risk of poor asthma control. More Penicillium IgE–positive patients were men and pet owners compared with Penicillium IgE–negative patients; in addition, Penicillium IgE–positive patients had higher total IgE levels. The Asthma Control Test level was significantly higher in Penicillium IgE–positive patients than in Penicillium IgE–negative patients. However, there were no differences in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Finally, sensitization to Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Trichophyton were positively correlated with sensitization to Penicillium. ConclusionSensitization to fungi is predominant in men, and it is associated with poor asthma control. In particular, sensitization to Penicillium and Aspergillus is a risk factor for asthma severity. These results have potential relevance in asthma management.

Sensitisation to mites and other animal-derived home aeroallergens in children and its concordance as a measure of covariation of sensitisation

BackgroundSensitisation to home aeroallergens (mites, furry animals and cockroaches) is predominant in patients in our and other areas. Covariation of sensitisation (CS) to these allergens could be due to cross-reactivity or parallel sensitisation. MethodsSkin prick tests were performed to common and second-line home aeroallergens, shrimp and tropomyosin in 253 paediatric patients seen in our Unit due to chronic respiratory symptoms. CS among the main allergens was analysed by means of Cohen's kappa coefficient of concordance (κ). ResultsHouse dust mites (HDM) were the main allergens involved in sensitisation, followed by furry animals, pollens, storage mites (SM), moulds and cockroaches. CS was very good between D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae (κ=0.81), and good between Dermatophagoides and Euroglyphus (κ=0.71), and decreased markedly to poor (κ<0.20) between HDM and SM or cockroaches. CS among SM and cockroaches was moderate to fair (κ=0.21–0.44). CS was good between shrimp and tropomyosin (κ=0.62), but null between shrimp-tropomyosin and HDM (κ=0.01–0.02), and poor to fair between shrimp-tropomyosin and SM or cockroaches (κ=0.06–0.34). CS between cat and dog was moderate (κ=0.50). ConclusionsWe have shown the usefulness of κ in exploring CS in a population. In our area, with high sensitisation to HDM and other home allergens, CS is limited for most pairs of allergens, pointing to a lower incidence of cross-reactivity than could be expected, especially between HDM and SM or other invertebrates.