BACKGROUND: Although rabbits are becoming popular as pets, data about the characteristics of allergic sensitization to rabbit allergens in patients without professional exposure are scarce. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To determine the characteristics of allergic sensitization to pet rabbits, and the role of direct and indirect exposure to rabbits and rabbit allergens in non-professionally exposed patients. METHODS: From among 1124 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects with an immediate skin reaction to rabbit dander. A clinical history including a careful evaluation of the modality of rabbit exposure, the results of skin-prick tests (SPTs) and total/specific IgE antibodies were recorded. The prevalence of rabbit ownership in the Naples area was also calculated. RESULTS: Among 753 SPT-positive patients, 20 (2.65%) were sensitized to rabbit dander (5 patients were mono-sensitized). Fifteen patients reported direct rabbit contact (7 were rabbit owners and 8 had occasional contact outside the home); 3 patients had indirect exposure through contact with rabbit owners and 2 patients denied any direct or indirect exposure. Rabbit mono-sensitized owners of pet rabbits had persistent (moderate-severe) symptoms. The prevalence of rabbit ownership is 1.56%. CONCLUSIONS: In susceptible not professionally exposed individuals, direct rabbit contact and, in some cases, indirect or no apparent exposure, may induce allergic sensitization to rabbit allergens. A progressive increase in rabbit sensitization (also by indirect exposure) may be expected as a consequence of the increase in rabbit ownership.
BACKGROUND: Although rabbits are becoming popular as pets, data about the characteristics of allergic sensitization to rabbit allergens in patients without professional exposure are scarce. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To determine the characteristics of allergic sensitization to pet rabbits, and the role of direct and indirect exposure to rabbits and rabbit allergens in non-professionally exposed patients. METHODS: From among 1124 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects with an immediate skin reaction to rabbit dander. A clinical history including a careful evaluation of the modality of rabbit exposure, the results of skin-prick tests (SPTs) and total/specific IgE antibodies were recorded. The prevalence of rabbit ownership in the Naples area was also calculated. RESULTS: Among 753 SPT-positive patients, 20 (2.65%) were sensitized to rabbit dander (5 patients were mono-sensitized). Fifteen patients reported direct rabbit contact (7 were rabbit owners and 8 had occasional contact outside the home); 3 patients had indirect exposure through contact with rabbit owners and 2 patients denied any direct or indirect exposure. Rabbit mono-sensitized owners of pet rabbits had persistent (moderate-severe) symptoms. The prevalence of rabbit ownership is 1.56%. CONCLUSIONS: In susceptible not professionally exposed individuals, direct rabbit contact and, in some cases, indirect or no apparent exposure, may induce allergic sensitization to rabbit allergens. A progressive increase in rabbit sensitization (also by indirect exposure) may be expected as a consequence of the increase in 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: S Brabant; A Facon; F Provôt; M Labalette; B Wallaert; C Chenivesse Journal: Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol Date: 2017-02-23 Impact factor: 3.406