title: Increased risk of horse sensitization in southwestern Iranian horse riders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study has been to investigate the frequency of sensitization to horse allergens and clinical symptoms in horse riders.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 horse riders and 50 healthy individuals were examined by means of skin prick tests for a panel of horse and common animal allergens, and pulmonary function tests were done by spirometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of sensitization to horse allergens was 31% as proven by the skin prick test in horse riders whereas horse sensitization was not seen in the control group. Occupational allergy symptoms were reported by 19 horse riders. Two horse riders with no history of clinical symptoms showed positive skin reactions to horse allergens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To decrease the high risk of occupational sensitization among horse riders, workplace conditions should be improved to reduce the load of airborne horse allergens.
authors.affiliation: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (Allergy Research Center).
authors.forename: Mozhgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moghtaderi
authors.affiliation: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (Allergy Research Center). farjadsh@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Shirin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Farjadian
authors.affiliation: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (Allergy Clinic of Ali-Asghar Hospital).
authors.forename: Zeynab
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hosseini
authors.affiliation: Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran (Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine).
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raayat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: IgE; animal allergy; horse allergen; horse rider; lung function; skin prick test