Sensitization to horse allergens without apparent exposure to horse. Report of two cases.
Abstract: It has been well established that occupational exposure to horses increases the risk of allergic sensitization to horse hair, on the contrary very few data have been published in individuals without direct contact with horses. We describe two cases of severe respiratory symptoms triggered by a single direct exposure in two patients with only 4-5 previous short contacts with horses during the entire their life, since they live in urban area of Naples. Cutaneous and serological diagnostic tests showed significant sensitization to horse dander other than some common inhalant allergens. Our report suggests that, in already (but unaware) horse-sensitized patients, the last direct contact with a horse has triggered severe respiratory symptoms. Passive carriage of horse allergen by the clothes of individuals in contact with horses/horse environments or a cross-reactivity between horse allergen (a lipocalin) and the major allergens (also lipocalins) of several furred animals are likely to explain our findings. Some other considerations can be derived by the clinical observation. First, it is likely that allergic sensitization to horse allergens could be more frequent than expected also in subjects without direct exposure to horse because of living in urban areas. Secondly, individuals suspected to be highly atopic or those already sensitized to some pet dander should be tested by SPTs/radio-allergo-sorbent test before the introduction of a pet indoors or, in the case of a big animal as the horse, a direct horse contact/entering into environments containing a horse.
Publication Date: 2006-02-04 PubMed ID: 16453968
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Summary
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The research article discusses the unusual occurrence of horse allergen sensitization in two individuals who had very minimal contact with horses, suggesting that exposure to horse allergens can potentially trigger severe respiratory symptoms even in urban residents who do not usually interact with these animals.
Research Purpose and Methods
- The study aimed to understand the possibility of severe allergic reactions in individuals who’ve had minimal to no contact with horses.
- Two residents from the urban region of Naples, who had experienced 4-5 brief exposures to horses throughout their life, were analyzed when they developed severe respiratory symptoms after a single direct exposure to a horse.
- Diagnostic tests such as skin tests and serological assessments were used to identify the nature and level of their sensitization to horse dander and other common inhaled allergens.
Research Findings
- Results showed significant sensitization to horse dander, suggesting an already prevalent—but unknown—sensitivity in these individuals.
- The study proposes two key explanations for the sensitization: passive exposure to horse allergens via clothes of people who’ve been in contact with horses, and cross-reactivity between horse allergens, known as lipocalins, and major allergens from other furred animals.
- Notably, this finding indicates that individuals living in urban areas and having no direct contact with horses may also become sensitized to horse allergens.
Implications of the Study
- The research offers several significant implications. Most importantly, it suggests that people, especially those suspected to be highly atopic or already sensitized to some pet dander, should undergo skin-prick tests or radio-allergo-sorbent tests before getting a pet or coming into contact with a large animal like a horse.
- This approach could help identify potential sensitization and mitigate the risk of severe respiratory symptoms triggered by allergens.
Cite This Article
APA
Liccardi G, Dente B, Senna G, De Martino M, D'Amato L, D'Amato G.
(2006).
Sensitization to horse allergens without apparent exposure to horse. Report of two cases.
Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol, 37(9), 350-352.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, A Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy. gennaro.liccardi@tin.it
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Asthma / etiology
- Bronchial Provocation Tests
- Female
- Horses / immunology
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology
- Immunoglobulin E / blood
- Male
- Rhinitis / etiology
- Skin Tests
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Animal allergens and their presence in the environment.. Front Immunol 2014;5:76.
- Liccardi G, Emenius G, Merritt AS, Salzillo A, D'Amato M, D'Amato G. Direct and indirect exposure to horse: risk for sensitization and asthma.. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2012 Oct;12(5):429-37.
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