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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Human allergy to cats affects a substantial and growing proportion of the global population, and cat allergy is regarded as the third most common cause of human respiratory allergies, and the second most common indoor cause. Veterinarians will frequently encounter owners who are cat-allergic, and having an understanding of this disease and the methods available to help control the allergy will assist them in giving appropriate advice, alongside human healthcare professionals. AIM The aim of this review is to summarise currently available data on the prevalence, causes, symptoms and control of human allergy to cats. In terms of managing cat allergy, the emphasis is on reviewing current and emerging modalities to reduce environmental exposure to cat allergens rather than on pharmacotherapy or immunotherapy, as it is in these areas in particular that the veterinarian may be able to offer help and advice to complement that of human healthcare professionals. EVIDENCE BASE The information in this review is drawn from the current and historical literature on human allergy to cats, and approaches to reduce exposure to cat allergens and manage symptoms of cat allergy.
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Li Y, Jiang Y, Li H, Zhu L, Zhou J, Dai Z, Yang L, Yang Q, Chen Z. Management of Pet Allergies in Children in China. Curr Treat Options Allergy 2021; 8:111-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s40521-021-00279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Kang SY, Yang MS, Park SY, Kim JH, Won HK, Kwon OY, Lee JH, Kang YW, Jung JW, Song WJ, Kim SH, Lee SM, Lee SP. The role of allergen-specific IgE in predicting allergic symptoms on dog and cat exposure among Korean pet exhibition participants. World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100488. [PMID: 33312333 PMCID: PMC7702179 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The values of the skin prick test (SPT) and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) measurement in predicting dog and cat allergies remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of SPT and sIgE measurement in predicting self-reported allergic symptoms during exposure to dogs and cats in Korean adults. METHODS A total of 552 participants in a pet exhibition in Korea completed questionnaires regarding exposure to dog or cat and the development of allergic symptoms during exposure. Study participants also underwent SPT using 3 different commercially available reagents, and had their blood drawn for measurement of serum total IgE and dog/cat-dander-IgE using ImmunoCAP®. RESULTS Measurement of sIgE for dog and cat dander allergens provided the highest positive and negative predictive values and sensitivity, but not specificity (58%, 87.2%, 67.9%, and 93.1% for allergic symptoms on dog exposure; 64.7%, 83.2%, 74.8%, and 88.9% for those on cat exposure, respectively), in predicting self-reported allergic symptoms on dog and cat exposure. The sIgE level consistently exhibited the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.749 and 0.719 for allergic symptoms on dog and cat exposure, respectively). Careful interpretation of SPT and sIgE measurements maximized the positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting allergic symptoms on dog exposure (71.4%, 87.3%, 75.3%, and 99.3%) and those on cat exposure (71.4%, 85.3%, 79.3%, and 98.9%). CONCLUSIONS The measurement of dog and cat dander sIgE levels may be useful for the exclusion of allergic symptoms related to pet exposure. Collective interpretation of SPT and sIgE tests facilitates identification of allergic symptoms on dog or cat exposure, giving a better rule-in test result.
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Key Words
- A/H ratio, Allergen-to-histamine ratio
- AUC, Area under the curve
- Allergy
- Cats
- Dogs
- MWD, Mean wheal diameter
- NPV, Negative predictive value
- PPV, Positive predictive value
- ROC, Receiver-operating characteristic
- SN, Sensitivity
- SP, Specificity
- SPT, Skin prick test
- Skin prick test
- Specific IgE
- sIgE, Allergen-specific IgE
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Yoon Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Suk Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Kyeong Won
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oh Young Kwon
- DreamKwon Internal Medicine Allergy Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyang Lee
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Won Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jung Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Kounis NG, Ren HL, Kavalioti M, Koniari I, Theoharides TC. Intimate Contact Could Be Dangerous for Your Health. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1222-1226. [PMID: 31076202 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review evidence of hypersensitivity reactions to allergens and/or pathogens transmitted via intimate contact. METHODS We reviewed PubMed for publications in English between 1980 and 2018 using the terms allergy, drugs, foods, hypersensitivity, intercourse, kissing, Kounis syndrome, mast cells, and semen. FINDINGS In human RELATIONSHIPS, intimate contact can occasionally have disastrous or even fatal consequences because antigens and pathogens can be transmitted via the oral and vaginal mucosa. Hypersensitivity to semen is an underrecognized problem. Some individuals also developed acute coronary hypersensitivity, which mimics myocardial infarction, known as Kounis syndrome. IMPLICATIONS Hypersensitivity reactions to allergens and/or pathogens via intimate contact are common and should be recognized. Sensitive patients should be evaluated for atopic diathesis because such patients may be more susceptible and could also develop Kounis syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Kounis
- Patras Highest Institute of Education and Technology, Patras, Greece
| | - Huali L Ren
- Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing Electric Power Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maria Kavalioti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Patras Highest Institute of Education and Technology, Patras, Greece
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Yang MS, Lee SP, Kwon YJ, Lee SM. Dog and Cat Allergies and Allergen Avoidance Measures in Korean Adult Pet Owners Who Participated in a Pet Exhibition. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2018; 10:155-164. [PMID: 29411556 PMCID: PMC5809764 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2018.10.2.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study evaluated dog and cat allergies and their association with allergen avoidance measures in Korean adults. Methods The study population consisted of 537 adults who currently kept dogs or cats and participated in a pet exhibition in Korea. The subjects were asked to complete questionnaires regarding pet ownership, allergen avoidance, and allergy symptoms, and underwent skin prick tests. They were considered to have a dog or cat allergy if they suffered from one or more of allergy symptoms during contact with their pets. Results In total, 103 of 407 dog owners (25.3%) and 45 of 130 cat owners (34.6%) had a dog or cat allergy, respectively. Dog owners kept 1.3±1.5 dogs; this number did not differ according to the presence of dog allergy. Dog owners with a dog allergy had owned their dogs longer than those without (88.0±72.0 vs 67.5±72.7 months, P<0.05). Cat owners kept 2.1±3.6 cats; this number did not differ according to the presence of cat allergy, nor did the duration of cat ownership. Cat owners with a cat allergy had facial contact and slept with their cats less frequently (8.6±11.9 vs 18.3±27.0 times/day, P<0.01; 71.1% vs 81.2%, P<0.05); however, they had their cats shaved and beds cleaned less frequently than those without (1.8±3.3 vs 3.2±4.4 times/year, P<0.05; 1.5±1.5 vs 3.9±6.0 times/month, P<0.01). Conclusions Cat owners with a cat allergy tried to minimize contact with their cats, but efforts to avoid indoor cat allergens were lower than those without. In comparison, dog owners with a dog allergy had kept their dogs for longer time than those without; however, current contact with their dogs and allergen avoidance measures did not differ between the 2 groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Suk Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Jae Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sang Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
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Abstract
Animal dander is a common cause of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in patients. In this regard, cats and dogs represent major causes of allergy to animal dander. In first line, the therapeutic options include the elimination of the pet from the patient's home as a (secondary) preventive step. However, avoidance of temporary contacts or indirect exposure to cat dander is often difficult, since cat-allergens are widely distributed even in non-cat-keeping households. In general, conventional pharmacologic therapy does not thoroughly prevent allergic symptoms. Therefore, allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) represents an important therapeutic option. This article highlights the current standards and further developments of SIT for cat-allergic patients.
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Abstract
Asthma has become the most common chronic disease in childhood. Significant advances in epidemiological research as well as in therapy of pediatric asthma have been made over the past 2 decades. In this review, we look at certain aspects therapy of childhood asthma, both in the past and present. Literature review on allergen avoidance (including mites, cockroach and cat), intensive therapy with β(2)-agonists in acute asthma (administering via continuous nebulization and intravenous routes), a revisit of theophylline use and its action, the use of inhaled corticosteroids in various phases of childhood asthma and sublingual immunotherapy in asthma are examined. Recent facts and dilemmas of these treatments are identified along with expression of our opinions, particularly on points of childhood asthma in the Asia-Pacific, are made in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakit Vichyanond
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Rattana Pensrichon
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Suruthai Kurasirikul
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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Nicholas CE, Wegienka GR, Havstad SL, Zoratti EM, Ownby DR, Johnson CC. Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2011; 25:252-6. [PMID: 21819763 DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2011.25.3606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the public interest in hypoallergenic dogs, few scientific, including epidemiological studies have attempted to evaluate claims of hypoallergenicity. This study was designed to determine whether dog breeds reported as hypoallergenic correspond to lower dog allergen in the home versus nonhypoallergenic dogs. METHODS A web search was conducted to identify breeds cited as hypoallergenic. Four separate classification schemes using combinations of purebred and mixed breed dogs were used to compare the levels of Canis familiaris 1 in dust samples collected from homes with hypoallergenic versus nonhypoallergenic dogs from an established birth cohort. RESULTS No classification scheme showed that the level of dog allergen in homes with hypoallergenic dogs differed from other homes. CONCLUSION Dog-allergic individuals should have access to scientifically valid information on the level of allergen shedding of different breeds of dogs.
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Abstract
Allergic rhinitis affects a large portion of the population. Patients are frequently sensitized to indoor allergens. The most important contributors are house dust mites, pets, and fungi. In very controlled environments where allergen exposure is significantly reduced, individuals have been shown to have clinical improvement in allergic rhinitis and/or asthma symptoms. Achieving sufficient exposure reduction in the home has proven difficult. Nonetheless, evidence exists that demonstrates exposure avoidance can be useful as an adjunct to other therapies, such as pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy, for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Bush
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, K4/910 CSC #9988, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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Settipane RA. Other Causes of Rhinitis: Mixed Rhinitis, Rhinitis Medicamentosa, Hormonal Rhinitis, Rhinitis of the Elderly, and Gustatory Rhinitis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2011; 31:457-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011; 19:58-65. [PMID: 21233627 DOI: 10.1097/MOO.0b013e32834344aa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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