Is sensitization to furry animals an independent allergic phenotype in nonoccupationally exposed individuals?

BACKGROUND Patients sensitized to common pets (cat, dog) frequently display an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated response to allergens from other animals. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether individuals sensitized to common pets might be at higher risk of developing allergic sensitization to other mammalian allergens. METHODS The study population comprised 900 consecutive patients (300 individuals sensitized to different allergens including those of cat and dog [group AL, 300 sensitized to allergens other than those derived from cat and dog [group B], and 300 nonsensitized individuals [group C, controls]). All patients underwent a physical examination, an interview (clinical history, pet ownership, possible exposure data), and skin prick test (SPT) with a standard panel of allergens including cat, dog, horse, rabbit, rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, and cow. RESULTS A significant difference in allergic sensitization to mammalian allergens was observed in groupA compared with group B (respectively, 244 vs. 17). No sensitization was found in group C. CONCLUSION Since sensitization to pet allergens increases the risk of developing allergy to other furry animals, we suggest performing SPTs with several mammalian allergens to identify allergic sensitization and thus prevent future exposure in individuals who are highly sensitized and environmentally exposed to common pets.