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Siberian hamster: a new indoor source of allergic sensitization and respiratory disease.
- Source :
-
Allergy [Allergy] 2002 Feb; Vol. 57 (2), pp. 155-9. - Publication Year :
- 2002
-
Abstract
- Background: The identification of 'unknown' allergic sensitizations may determine the prognosis and treatment of patients with respiratory airway disease. Currently, the presence in homes of 'exotic' animals as pets is increasing. In this article the Siberian hamster or dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) was identified as a new indoor source of aeroallergens and respiratory disease.<br />Methods: The subjects were six outpatients who were treated for asthma and rhinitis. Siberian hamster hair extract was prepared with a standard wt/vol method, and patients were skin-prick tested with the extract. Serum-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E against the Siberian hamster, common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) and golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was determined. IgE-immunoblotting was also performed for all six sera. Specific bronchial challenge was carried out with the Siberian hamster extract.<br />Results: Skin prick tests (SPT) with the Siberian hamster extract, and specific IgE-antibodies against Siberian hamster, were strongly positive in all six patients. Determinations of specific IgE-antibodies against C. cricetus and M. auratus were negative in all patients. IgE-immunoblotting of the sera revealed two IgE-binding fractions (MW 18 and 32 kDa) in five of the six sera. Specific bronchial provocation tests resulted in early asthmatic responses in the two patients who were challenged.<br />Conclusions: The present study reveals the Siberian hamster to be able to induce both sensitization and disease, and this species of hamster should be taken into consideration as a cause of respiratory disease in exposed subjects. A noteworthy finding was the lack of sensitization in our patients to common hamster allergens (M. auratus and C. cricetus) that are usually tested when hamster allergy is suspected.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Air Pollution, Indoor adverse effects
Air Pollution, Indoor analysis
Allergens administration & dosage
Allergens immunology
Animals
Antibody Specificity immunology
Bronchial Provocation Tests
Carrier Proteins blood
Carrier Proteins immunology
Cricetinae
Female
Forced Expiratory Volume drug effects
Forced Expiratory Volume immunology
Humans
Immunization
Immunoblotting
Immunoglobulin E blood
Immunoglobulin E immunology
Male
Radioallergosorbent Test
Respiratory Hypersensitivity blood
Respiratory Hypersensitivity etiology
Skin Tests
Spain
Allergens adverse effects
Phodopus immunology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0105-4538
- Volume :
- 57
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Allergy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11929420