Allergy to laboratory mice and rats: a review of the pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical aspects

Abstract

Allergy to laboratory animals (mice and rats) is reviewed. Immunological aspects, the relevant allergens, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prognosis are discussed. Results presented in some studies are analysed and criticized.

Evaluation of individually ventilated cage systems for laboratory rodents: occupational health aspects

“…Among the most potent allergens are proteins which are mainly excreted in mature male rodent urine (Taylor e t a l. 1977, Gordon e t a l. 1993. In studies of laboratory anim al workers, typically 15±40% report allergic nasal, eye, skin or chest sym ptoms during work with animals; or are sensitized agai nst the animals according to skin prick or blood tests (Hunskaar & Fosse 1990, Renstro Èm 1997. T he impact of laboratory anim al allergy (LAA) may be considerable: the personal health and career of LAA subjects may suffer, and employers face a loss of quali®ed staff, reduced productivity and worker re-location and compensation costs.…”

Allergy to laboratory mice and rats: a review of its prevention, management, and treatment

“…In our previous review of the pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical aspects of ALA, we concluded that it may be difficult to achieve total prevention of ALA under normal working conditions (Hunskaar & Fosse 1990). This view is strengthened as we reviewed current developments in building design and technology.…”

“…were unlikely to prevent ALA since the allergens are not those to which humans working in those environments are actually exposed (Davies et al, 1983b). Thus despite the development of complex technology aimed at reducing allergy, sooner or later individuals will inevitably be exposed to allergen in the course of their work with animals and allergy will result in some of them (Hunskaar & Fosse 1990). The only absolutely secure form of technology that could totally protect against allergy may be the use of negative pressure isolators.…”

Prevalence and host determinants of occupational bronchial asthma in animal shelter workers

“…The prevalence of skin and serum sensitization to cat and dog allergens was higher in the group of subjects with work-related symptoms suggestive of OAA than in the group with no such symptoms, but we also found individuals, who had positive skin and serum tests to cat and dog allergens but were asymptomatic. Hunskaar and Fosse (1990) found that 51-69% of individuals with laboratory animal allergy had positive SPT to animal allergens, while Botham et al (1987) found that only 40-64% of symptomatic animal workers had positive RAST tests.…”