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Cat sensitization according to cat window of exposure in adult asthmatics
Author(s) -
Oryszczyn M.P.,
Van Ree R.,
Maccario J.,
Nadif R.,
Kauffmann F.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03288.x
Subject(s) - immunoglobulin e , sensitization , medicine , immunology , asthma , respiratory system , cats , antibody
Summary Background In adults, there is limited information on tolerance to cat, which may be reflected by high IgG 4 without IgE sensitization. Early exposure to cat may play a critical role. Objective The aim was to assess among adults the association of Fel d 1 IgG 4 , Fel d 1 IgE, skin prick test (SPT) response to cat and pet‐related symptoms in relation to exposure to cat considering the period of exposure. Methods SPT response to cat, specific IgE and IgG 4 to Fel d 1 were assessed in 167 asthmatics recruited in chest clinics (40 years of age in average) from the French Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA). Childhood and/or current exposure to cat were studied retrospectively. Results IgG 4 was higher in relation to current cat exposure (0.53 vs. 0.09 ng/mL; P <0.001) and higher in women than in men. The period of cat exposure was significantly related to Fel d 1 IgE, the IgE/IgG 4 pattern and cat weal size. The lowest values of Fel d 1 IgE, cat weal size, pet‐related nasal or respiratory symptoms were observed in those with both childhood and current exposure as well as the highest proportion of the IgE − /IgG 4 + pattern observed in 1.4%, 4.0%, 38.1% and 12.5% of those with −/−, +/−, +/+, −/+ childhood/current exposure, respectively. Conclusions Adult asthmatics exposed to cats since childhood present an immunologic pattern with high IgG 4 and low IgE. Continuous exposure may maintain a state of immunological tolerance to cat.