Gennaro Liccardi1, Giovanni Passalacqua. 1. Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Department of Chest Diseases, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rabbits as pets are becoming popular in Italy, but few data are available on sensitization to rabbits in patients without occupational exposure. In a multicentre study, we assessed the prevalence of rabbit sensitization in atopic subjects and their modality of exposure. METHODS: Allergists from the whole country were required to assess the presence of skin prick test positivity to rabbits in about 100 consecutive patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. In the rabbit-positive patients, clinical history, pet ownership and modality of exposure were assessed. RESULTS: Skin tests were performed on 2,329 outpatients, of whom 1,602 had at least one positivity. Among them, 39 (2.43%) were sensitized to rabbit dander (4 monosensitized). The prevalence of sensitization ranged between 0.65 and 4.72%. Nineteen patients reported direct rabbit contact (10 for ownership and 9 for occasional contact) and 5 patients only indirect exposure through the contact with rabbit owners. Fifteen subjects denied any direct or indirect exposure. All the monosensitized patients were rabbit owners and had persistent (moderate-severe) respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to rabbit in Italy is not to be neglected. In atopic subjects without occupational exposure, contact and indirect exposure to rabbits may induce sensitization. A progressive increase in rabbit sensitization is expected in the future as consequence of the increased rabbit ownership.
BACKGROUND:Rabbits as pets are becoming popular in Italy, but few data are available on sensitization to rabbits in patients without occupational exposure. In a multicentre study, we assessed the prevalence of rabbit sensitization in atopic subjects and their modality of exposure. METHODS: Allergists from the whole country were required to assess the presence of skin prick test positivity to rabbits in about 100 consecutive patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. In the rabbit-positive patients, clinical history, pet ownership and modality of exposure were assessed. RESULTS: Skin tests were performed on 2,329 outpatients, of whom 1,602 had at least one positivity. Among them, 39 (2.43%) were sensitized to rabbit dander (4 monosensitized). The prevalence of sensitization ranged between 0.65 and 4.72%. Nineteen patients reported direct rabbit contact (10 for ownership and 9 for occasional contact) and 5 patients only indirect exposure through the contact with rabbit owners. Fifteen subjects denied any direct or indirect exposure. All the monosensitized patients were rabbit owners and had persistent (moderate-severe) respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to rabbit in Italy is not to be neglected. In atopic subjects without occupational exposure, contact and indirect exposure to rabbits may induce sensitization. A progressive increase in rabbit sensitization is expected in the future as consequence of the increased rabbit ownership.
Authors: G Liccardi; L Calzetta; G Baldi; A Berra; L Billeri; M Caminati; P Capano; E Carpentieri; A Ciccarelli; M A Crivellaro; M Cutajar; M D'Amato; I Folletti; F Gani; D Gargano; D Giannattasio; M Giovannini; C Lombardi; M Lo Schiavo; F Madonna; M Maniscalco; A Meriggi; C Micucci; M Milanese; C Montera; G Paolocci; R Parente; A Pedicini; R Pio; F Puggioni; M Russo; A Salzillo; P Scavalli; N Scichilone; B Sposato; A Stanziola; G Steinhilber; A Vatrella; P Rogliani; G Passalacqua Journal: Clin Mol Allergy Date: 2018-02-02
Authors: Gennaro Liccardi; Gennaro Baldi; Anna Ciccarelli; Marina Cutajar; Maria D'Amato; Domenico Gargano; Domenico Giannattasio; Gennaro Leone; Mario Lo Schiavo; Francesco Madonna; Giovanni Menna; Carmen Montera; Antonio Pio; Maria Russo; Antonello Salzillo; Anna Stanziola; Gennaro D'Amato Journal: Multidiscip Respir Med Date: 2013-04-16