Horse allergens: An underestimated risk for allergic sensitization in an urban atopic population without occupational exposure.
BACKGROUND
Data on allergic sensitization to horse allergen in modern urban areas are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of allergic sensitization and the modality of exposure to horse allergens in atopic patients living in an urban area and without occupational exposure to horse and/or horse-derived materials.


METHODS
From among 1822 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects who had an immediate skin reaction to horse dander. We recorded the patients' clinical history including a meticulous evaluation of the possibility and eventual modality of horse exposure, and the results of skin-prick tests (SPT) and total/specific IgE antibody analyses.


RESULTS
Of 1201 SPT-positive patients, 35 (3.43%) were sensitized to horse dander. No patient was mono-sensitized. Six individuals reported having direct horse contact, 10 subjects had occasional contact with horse owners (indirect exposure), and 19 denied direct or indirect exposure to horses or horse allergens. Twenty of the 35 horse-sensitized patients reported both nasal and bronchial symptoms, 14 had rhinitis without asthma and one had asthma without rhinitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that allergic sensitization to horse allergens is more frequent than expected in urban-dwelling subjects without direct or occupational exposure to horses. Highly atopic individuals or individuals who are sensitized to common pet dander should undergo SPT and evaluation of serum specific IgE before starting activities involving regular contact with horses such as riding, and before entering environments associated with horses.
Liccardi
Gennaro
G
Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality "A.Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy.
Salzillo
Antonello
A
Dente
Bruno
B
Piccolo
Amedeo
A
Lobefalo
Gaetano
G
Noschese
Paolo
P
Russo
Maria
M
Gilder
Jean Ann
JA
D'Amato
Gennaro
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006686:Hobbies; D006736:Horses / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E