Sensitization to cat and dog components and prediction of symptoms in cat-sensitized children.

BACKGROUND

Sensitization to cat and/or dog allergens during childhood represents a risk factor for the development of allergic diseases later in life.

OBJECTIVE

The study investigated the association of patterns of sensitization to cat and dog allergen components with clinical symptoms of allergy to these furry animals among cat-sensitized children.

METHODS

The children were evaluated for the presence of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Their mothers completed a questionnaire on pet exposure at home. Levels of serum IgE cat epitopes Fel d (1, 2, 4), as well as dog components Can f (1, 2, 3, 5) were measured in all the studied children.

RESULTS

Respiratory symptoms following exposure to the cat allergen were most common in children with Fel d 2 epitope (p = 0.041). After contact with a dog, respiratory symptoms were most common in children with Can f 1 epitope (p = 0.042), atopic dermatitis in children with sensitization to both Can f 1 (p = 0.009) and Can f 2 (p = 0.002), whereas eye symptoms occurred mostly in children with Can f 3 (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular diagnosis in patients with pet allergy may help clinicians to predict clinical symptoms and their severity.