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Background: Certain dog breeds are described and marketed as being "hypoallergenic" on the basis of anecdotal reports that these dogs are better tolerated by patients allergic to dogs., Objective: These observations were investigated by comparing Can f 1 (major dog [Canis familiaris] allergen) levels in hair and coat samples and in the home environment of various hypoallergenic (Labradoodle, Poodle, Spanish Waterdog, and Airedale terrier) and non-hypoallergenic dogs (Labrador retriever and a control group)., Methods: Hair and coat samples were obtained from dogs, and settled floor and airborne dust samples were taken from the dogs' homes. Can f 1 concentrations were measured by using ELISA, and results were analyzed by using multiple linear regression analyses., Results: Significantly higher Can f 1 concentrations were found in hair and coat samples of hypoallergenic dogs (n = 196, geometric mean [GM], 2.26 μg/g, geometric standard deviation [GSD], 0.73, and GM, 27.04 μg/g, GSD, 0.57, respectively) than of non-hypoallergenic dogs (n = 160, GM, 0.77 μg/g, GSD, 0.71, and GM, 12.98 μg/g, GSD, 0.76, respectively). Differences between breeds were small, relative to the variability within a breed. Can f 1 levels in settled floor dust samples were lower for Labradoodles, but no differences were found between the other groups. No differences in airborne levels were found between breeds., Conclusion: So-called hypoallergenic dogs had higher Can f 1 levels in hair and coat samples than did control breeds. These differences did not lead to higher levels of environmental exposure to dog allergens. There is no evidence for the classification of certain dog breeds as being "hypoallergenic.", (Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Sensitization to occupational allergens is frequently found in laboratory animal workers (LAWs) and can cause serious health problems. Atopy is a major risk factor for sensitization, but it is considered insufficient to advise against working with animals., Objective: We investigated whether immunologic measures, including serology and cytokine production profiles of blood cells, and parameters for airway inflammation are associated with the development of occupational sensitization., Methods: In a prospective cohort study 110 starting LAWs were followed for 2 years. At inclusion, results of health questionnaires, skin test results, lung function measures, methacholine threshold levels, and nasal lavage fluid were obtained. Blood was taken for measuring total IgE and allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Cytokine production profiles were measured in whole blood., Results: Twenty-two new cases of sensitization were identified during follow-up. In multivariate logistic regression analysis a model including atopy and total IgE level predicted sensitization best. This was corroborated in a separate validation cohort. Parameters for airway inflammation or cytokine production profiles did not further contribute to the prediction of sensitization. Based on these results, pre-employment counseling aimed at applicant LAWs with atopy and a total IgE level of greater than 100 IU/mL might be able to reduce occupational sensitization by up to 45% to 50% with less than 10% false-positive predictions., Conclusion: The combination of atopy and total IgE level offered the best model to predict development of occupational sensitization. Other immunologic parameters and parameters of airway inflammation did not contribute significantly.