A review of allergic respiratory disease in laboratory animal workers.

There is increased recognition of hypersensitivity lung disease among workers with laboratory animals as an occupational disease. Symptoms of asthma in 44 of 78 workers with laboratory animal dander allergy reflected the serious consequences of this occupational ailment. Affected employee profiles induced family history of atopy; immediate (Type I) allergic reaction; symptoms of rhinitis, asthma, and cough; hypersensitivity to one or more species, most often rats, mice, and rabbits. Diagnosis depends on history and physical, radiologic, and laboratory examinations, including skin tests with relevant antigens. Control and treatment depend on environmental change (reemployment or reduction of antigen contact); mechanical devices (masks and filters); chemotherapy (bronchodilators, steroids), prophylaxis and immunotherapy (hyposensitization). Standardization of medico-legal criteria covering occupational asthma is needed.