Aspects of the immunopathogenesis of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs.

This paper reviews the current data on the nature of the allergen(s) of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis and on some of the factors that determine the development and maintenance of the allergic state. The role of immediate hypersensitivity mediated by IgE, delayed hypersensitivity and of cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity in the immunopathogenesis is discussed. Finally, data on the nature of immunologic non-reactivity is presented and the prospects for therapeutic immunologic intervention discussed.