Association of Sensitization to Specific Pet Allergen Components with Asthma Symptoms in School Children

• Animal sensitization is a known determinant of asthma in children. The objective was to study the association of asthma with sensitization to pet allergen components in schoolchildren. Methods: A random sample of 696 children (11-12 y) from a Swedish population-based cohort was analyzed for sensitization (≥0.1 kUA/L) to cat, dog and horse dander extracts using ImmunoCAP. Sensitized children were further analyzed for IgE antibodies to animal allergen components using ImmunoCAP ISAC112. An expanded ISAAC questionnaire was completed by the parents. Results: Of 259 animal-sensitized children (37%) the majority (75%) were sensitized to more than one species. Among the 11 % (n=77) with current asthma 69 % were sensitized to at least one animal extract, as compared to one third of children without current asthma (p<0.001). Current asthma and asthma symptoms upon contact with cats were associated with co-sensitization to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. Already at moderate levels of IgE antibodies to Fel d 4 (1-15 ISU), at which level most children were sensitized also to Fel d 1, the prevalence of asthma symptoms upon contact with cats was significantly increased. Dog-sensitized children were commonly sensitized to several dog components, and the greatest risk for asthma was seen in children co-sensitized to Can f 5 and Can f 1/f 2. Conclusions: Among Northern Swedish schoolchildren furry animals were the main perennial sensitizers. Asthma symptoms were associated with sensitizations to multiple components within an animal species. In particular, cat Fel d 4 sensitization was strongly related to asthma symptoms.

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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