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Etiologic role of unapparent exposure in cat allergy
Author(s) -
BrasóAznar J. V.,
PelaezHernandez A.,
RochinaPuchades A.,
MoralesRubio C.,
BurchesBaixauli E.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1995.tb01176.x
Subject(s) - dander , medicine , allergen , allergy , asthma , sensitization , immunoglobulin e , airborne allergen , immunology , gastroenterology , dermatology , antibody
To determine the importance of unnoticed exposure to cat, we studied 20 patients with a history of respiratory allergy. All the patients had a positive prick test to cat dander extract, and none of them kept cats as pets. The prick test was carried out with a dander extract from cat at a concentration of 100 BU/ml. The specific IgE was determined by the commercially available Pharmacia CAP System. We carried out a conjunctival challenge test. The concentration of Fel d I was quantified in dust samples from the patients’ homes by a commercially available method. The patients were reassessed in order to establish a relation between exposure and symptoms, and concealed allergen sources. Sixteen patients, showed significant levels of Fel d I in their homes (mean of 3.35 μg g of dust). The conjunctival challenge test was positive in 15 patients. These patients showed an exposure mean of 0.4 μg/g of dust. The mean levels of specific serum IgE were higher in those patients with a positive challenge than in those with a negative challenge ( P = 0.0145). In nine reassessed patients, a relation was established between natural exposure and the onset of the symptoms. A possible hidden allergen source was established in 11 patients. Hidden exposure to cat allergen may play a role in the symptomatology of many atopic patients, and investigation of sensitization to Fel d I should be included in the routine allergologic evaluation of all patients with asthma or perennial rhinitis.