IgE to Furry Animal Allergen Components Was Associated with Asthma in a Population-Based Study of Adults

• Atopic sensitization increases the risk of asthma. Our aim was to investigate patterns of sensitization to allergens and allergen components in relation to asthma among adults in a Swedish population-based sample. Methods: A questionnaire targeting asthma was sent to 30 000 randomly selected adults (16-75 y) in west Sweden. Of the 18 087 responders, a randomly selected sample of 2000 subjects and in addition all 1536 subjects reporting asthma were invited to clinical examinations. Sera were received from 906 subjects with asthma and from 1000 without reported asthma (controls) and were tested for three IgE panels of inhalant and food allergens. Samples with a level of IgE >0.35 kUA/l were further analyzed for IgE against each individual allergen and nine allergen components related to furry animals. Results: The risk of being sensitized to any of the 21 tested allergens was significantly higher in the asthma group. The risk was highest for individuals sensitized to furry animals (risk ratios 4,5-7,9). The level of IgE to animal allergens was also significantly higher in the asthma group. Co-sensitization to more than one cat and/or dog allergen component conferred a greater risk for asthma. Simultaneous sensitization to the cat allergens Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 was associated with asthma. Conclusions: In this large population-based study subjects with asthma were commonly co-sensitized to more than one animal allergen component, especially to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. Component-resolved analysis has the potential to increase precision when assessing asthma in adults.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Immunologi inom det medicinska området (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Immunology in the medical area (hsv//eng)

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