Analysis of feline and canine allergen components in patients sensitized to pets

Abstract

BackgroundComponent resolved allergen diagnosis allows for a precise evaluation of the sensitization profiles of patients sensitized to felines and canines. An accurate interpretation of these results allows better insight into the evolution of a given patients sensitizations, and allows for a more precise evaluation of their prognoses.Methods70 patients (42 women and 28 men, aged 18–65, with the average of 35.5) with a positive feline or canine allergy diagnosis were included in the research group. 30 patients with a negative allergy diagnosis were included in the control group. The total IgE levels of all patients with allergies as well as their allergen-specific IgE to feline and canine allergens were measured. Specific IgE levels to canine (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5) and feline (Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4) allergen components were also measured with the use of the ImmunoCap method.ResultsMonosensitization for only one canine or feline component was found in 30% of patients. As predicted, the main feline allergen was Fel d 1, which sensitized as many as 93.9% of patients sensitized to felines. Among 65 patients sensitized to at least one feline component, for 30 patients (46.2%) the only sensitizing feline component was Fel d 1. Only 19 patients in that group (63.3%) were not simultaneously sensitized to dogs and 11 (36.7%), the isolated sensitization to feline Fel d 1 notwithstanding, displayed concurrent sensitizations to one of the canine allergen components. Fel d 4 sensitized 49.2% of the research group.64.3% of patients sensitized to canine components had heightened levels of specific IgE to Can f 1. Monosensitization in that group occurred for 32.1% of the patients. Sensitization to Can f 5 was observed among 52.4% of the patients.ConclusionsConcurrent sensitizations to a few allergic components, not only cross-reactive but also originating in different protein families, are a significant problem for patients sensitized to animals.

Consensus document on dog and cat allergy

“…Main dog and cat allergens are shown in Table . Major dog allergens are Can f 1 and Can f 5; their sensitization frequencies are variable in different geographic regions . Although there may be differences between breeds, all dogs produce allergenic proteins found in the epithelium, dander, lingual glands, prostate and parotid glands .…”

Frequency of allergic sensitization to Can f 5 in North East Italy. An analysis of 1403 ISACs 112 (Component Resolved Diagnosis) collected retrospectively

“…sensitized patients or pet-sensitized individuals living in areas with a high pet ownership (6)(7)(8). The peculiar characteristics of Can f 5, in highly or exclusive sensitized patients, can determine positive and negative actions which must be carefully evaluated by allergists managing such patients (9,10).…”

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

“…We believe that in allergic patients, due to their proinflammatory state and/or the lack of counterregulatory mechanisms, the initial sIgE sensitization to Can f 1 and Fel d 1 (the most frequently found and in higher concentration levels) favors IgE sensitization to other molecular components; this hypothesis is supported by the observation that sensitization to Can f 3 and Can f 5 was exclusive in the rhinitis group, and they had a higher frequency of sensitization to Fel d 2 and Fel d 4. In addition, mechanisms not associated with cross-reactivity, like tissue damage and enzymatic activity, may contribute with increasing inflammation [29][30][31][32][33][34].…”