Occupational respiratory allergy to roe deer.
BACKGROUND
Although scattered reports have been published on roe deer allergenicity, no systematic studies of allergenicity or possible cross-reactions have appeared.


OBJECTIVE
To describe 2 patients with occupational roe deer allergy, demonstrated by positive skin and conjunctival provocation test results, and to note cross-reactions to other animal (mainly cow) allergens.


METHODS
Two workers at animal rehabilitation centers were sensitized to roe deer. One patient had a history of rhinoconjunctivitis and the other a history of rhinoconjunctivitis and probable asthma. Both patients underwent skin testing with a standard battery of inhaled and epithelial allergens and with roe deer hair and dander extract and conjunctival provocation tests with roe deer hair extract. Immunodetection for IgE (both patients) and IgE immunoblot inhibition tests to determine inhibitory effect (1 patient) were also performed.


RESULTS
The results of skin tests and conjunctival provocation tests showed that both patients were sensitized to roe deer allergens. In one patient specific IgE to roe deer extract was detected, and this extract completely inhibited IgE binding to cow hair and dander extract in immunoblotting tests. Specific IgE to roe deer proteins could not be demonstrated in the other patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that roe deer epidermal derivatives can cause occupational respiratory disease in exposed workers and that allergy to this species should be considered in individuals who present with similar symptoms and exposure histories. Immunoblot inhibition studies suggested the possibility of cross-reaction between roe deer proteins and cow proteins.
Carballada
Francisco
F
Unidad de Alergia, Complexo Hopitalario Xeral-Calde, Lugo, Spain. francisco.carballada.gonzalez@sergas.es
Sánchez
Rafael
R
Carballas
Clara
C
Lombardero
Manuel
M
Boquete
Manuel
M
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D002417:Cattle; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D003670:Deer; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E