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Home / Equine Research Bank / Curr Allergy Asthma Rep / Direct and indirect exposure to horse: risk for sensitizatio...
Current allergy and asthma reports2012; 12(5); 429-437; doi: 10.1007/s11882-012-0280-5

Direct and indirect exposure to horse: risk for sensitization and asthma.

Abstract: Most studies on the sensitization to horse allergens in populations without professional exposure have been carried out in geographical areas where the rate of horse ownership is high and horse riding is popular. Very few studies have been carried out in populations living in large urban areas. This gap in the literature probably reflects the widespread view that prevalence of horse-related allergy is low in urban populations because the latter are not regularly exposed to horses. On the contrary, we suggest that urban areas constitute a model useful to study potential modalities of exposure and sensitization to horse allergen by other routes of exposure than horse-riding. In this article, we describe the risks related to various modalities of exposure to horse allergen, clinical aspects of airway sensitization to horse allergens in patients living in urban areas, and non-occupational exposure to horse allergen. In addition, we illuminate some aspects related to dispersion of horse allergens from sources such as stables to indoor environments.
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Publication Date: 2012-06-22 PubMed ID: 22717671DOI: 10.1007/s11882-012-0280-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the risk of sensitivity and development of asthma in relation to both direct and indirect exposure to horses, specifically in urban settings where exposure may be less regular or obvious.

Overview of the Article

  • The research article posits that even in urban settings where exposure to horses is less common, there may still be significant risk of sensitization to horse allergens and subsequent development of asthma.
  • The scholars express the necessity to understand the different modes of exposure to horse allergens beyond horse-riding, especially in urban settings.

Risks of Exposure to Horse Allergens

  • The article delineates the various risks associated with exposure to horse allergens. These may include direct contact with horses, residue from horses in the environment, or allergens carried on the clothing or skin of individuals who have been in active contact with horses.
  • An important point to consider, as highlighted in the article, is that exposure does not just include physically handling or being in close proximity to horses. The authors note that horse allergens can easily be transferred into indoor environments from stables or other areas where horses are present, therefore posing a risk even in urban areas.

Clinical Aspects of Airway Sensitization

  • The article explores the clinical implications of airway sensitization to horse allergens. This includes symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, cough, and potentially, the development of asthma.
  • The research addresses the urban populations who might not seem predisposed to horse allergen sensitization due to lesser direct exposure, yet could be subjected to a similar risk.

Non-Occupational Exposure to Horse Allergen

  • Non-occupational exposure, such as incidental contact or proximity to horses, is another key discussion point within this article. Despite the ongoing belief that urban dwellers might be at a lower risk, the article argues that this does not exclude the possibility of significant exposure to allergens.
  • Given that allergens can however be transferred to indoor environments from outdoors, this becomes the premise to further investigate the extent of non-occupational, less obvious exposure in cities and its possible effects.

Dispersion of Horse Allergens

  • The article concludes by underlining some aspects concerning the dispersion of horse allergens. There may be risks even in urban indoor environments originating from places such as stables and transported via various modes.
  • The authors emphasize the need for more widespread recognition and understanding of these dispersion mechanisms, towards promoting better allergen management and reduced asthma risk in urban settings.

Cite This Article

APA
Liccardi G, Emenius G, Merritt AS, Salzillo A, D'Amato M, D'Amato G. (2012). Direct and indirect exposure to horse: risk for sensitization and asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 12(5), 429-437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-012-0280-5

Publication

Current allergy and asthma reports
ISSN: 1534-6315
NlmUniqueID: 101096440
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 5
Pages: 429-437

Researcher Affiliations

Liccardi, Gennaro
  • Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality A. Cardarelli Hospital, Piazzetta Arenella n° 7, 80128, Naples, Italy. gennaro.liccardi@tin.it
Emenius, Gunnel
    Merritt, Anne-Sophie
      Salzillo, Antonello
        D'Amato, Maria
          D'Amato, Gennaro

            MeSH Terms

            • Allergens / adverse effects
            • Allergens / immunology
            • Animals
            • Asthma / etiology
            • Asthma / immunology
            • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
            • Horses / immunology
            • Humans
            • Hypersensitivity / etiology
            • Immunization / adverse effects
            • Lipocalins / adverse effects
            • Lipocalins / immunology
            • Risk
            • Urban Population

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            Citations

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