title: What could be the role of molecular-based allergy diagnostics in detecting the risk of developing allergic sensitization to furry animals?
abstract: Although this highly refined diagnostic approach has been used in several fields of allergy diagnosis, we noticed the scarcity of data on the role of CDR in detecting current sensitization to the allergens of common pets (cat / dog) and, especially, its potential usefulness in predicting the risk of sensitization to other furry animals. Reported data suggest that cross-reacting mechanisms might play an important role in a significant proportion of allergic sensitizations to furry animals (common pets and unusual / exotic mammals) especially in the absence of any possible direct / indirect contact. In this context an evaluation of specific IgE by using the micro-array technique ImmunoCAP ISAC (Thermofisher Scientific - Immuno-Diagnostics, Sweden) for lipocalins (Can f 1, Can f 2, Equ c 1, Fel d 4, Mus m 1) and albumins (Bos d 6, Can f 3, Equ c 3, Fel d 2) might be very useful to evaluate the possibility of cross-reactions between the allergens of different animals. In fact, allergic sensitization without animal exposure is a relevant risk for patients, because they are not aware about the possibility that even severe respiratory symptoms may develop after an occasional animal contact. This aspect should be taken into account by susceptible individuals before acquiring new pets, after removal of common pets or beginning a contact for working / leisure activity with a common as well as uncommon animal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Haematology and Oncology Division of Pneumology and Allergology High Speciality "A. Cardarelli" Hospital Piazzetta Arenella 7, 80128 Naples, Italy. Phone: +39 081 747 333 5-4-3 Fax: + 39 081 747 333 1 E-mail: gennaro.liccardi@tin.it.
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liccardi
authors.affiliation: Allergy Unit, Department of Immunology, Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bilò
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Haematology and Oncology, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality "A.Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Manzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Haematology and Oncology, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality "A.Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piccolo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Haematology and Oncology, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality "A.Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Di Maro
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Haematology and Oncology, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality "A.Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salzillo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D054834:Lipocalins / Q000276:immunology; D057805:Pets / Q000276:immunology*; D012306:Risk; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D054834:Lipocalins; D012709:Serum Albumin
keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Component Resolved Diagnostic (CRD); allergic sensitization; bronchial asthma; cat; dog; exotic animals; pet allergy