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Ganseman E, Gouwy M, Bullens DMA, Breynaert C, Schrijvers R, Proost P. Reported Cases and Diagnostics of Occupational Insect Allergy: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010086. [PMID: 36613529 PMCID: PMC9820383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant part of adult-onset asthma is caused by occupational exposure to both high- and low-molecular-mass agents. Insects are occasionally described to cause occupational allergy in professions including anglers and fishers, laboratory workers, employees of aquaculture companies, farmers, bakers, sericulture workers and pet shop workers. Occupational insect allergies are often respiratory, causing asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis, but can be cutaneous as well. The European Union recently approved three insect species for human consumption, enabling an industry to develop where more employees could be exposed to insect products. This review overviews knowledge on occupational insect allergy risks and the tools used to diagnose employees. Despite the limited availability of commercial occupational insect allergy diagnostics, 60.9% of 164 included reports used skin prick tests and 63.4% of reports used specific IgE tests. In 21.9% of reports, a more elaborate diagnosis of occupational asthma was made by specific inhalation challenges or peak expiratory flow measurements at the workplace. In some work environments, 57% of employees were sensitized, and no less than 60% of employees reported work-related symptoms. Further development and optimization of specific diagnostics, together with strong primary prevention, may be vital to the health conditions of workers in the developing insect industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ganseman
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Gouwy
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique M. A. Bullens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Breynaert
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department General Internal Medicine–Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department General Internal Medicine–Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-37-90-20
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Garino C, Mielke H, Knüppel S, Selhorst T, Broll H, Braeuning A. Quantitative allergenicity risk assessment of food products containing yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 142:111460. [PMID: 32505700 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Insect-based foods are starting to enter the EU market, raising concerns about their safety. Allergic consumers might be exposed to even a greater risk, since insects have proven to trigger allergic symptoms, particularly in patients sensitised to crustaceans. Current legislation does not enforce producers to include insects in the list of allergenic ingredients. Food allergenicity risk assessment (FARA) is still at its infancy, and the debate on the need to define allergen thresholds is open. In this paper, we aimed at applying the concepts of stochastic quantitative FARA to describe present and future scenarios of exposure to foods containing Tenebrio molitor, the yellow mealworm. According to our risk characterisation, mealworm-based food products represent a major risk for individuals allergic to crustaceans to develop symptoms after the consumption of a dose lower than a serving size. Moreover, other allergic consumers might be at risk. A correct labelling of insect containing foods would help safeguarding the health of EU allergic consumers. Quantitatively assessing the risk of allergenicity provides a clear description of the problem, facilitating the decisional process of the risk manager, supporting the implementation of effective allergen management procedures and limiting the phenomenon of uninformative precautionary labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Garino
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), P.O. Box 33 00 13, D-14191, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hans Mielke
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), P.O. Box 33 00 13, D-14191, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Knüppel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), P.O. Box 33 00 13, D-14191, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Selhorst
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), P.O. Box 33 00 13, D-14191, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hermann Broll
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), P.O. Box 33 00 13, D-14191, Berlin, Germany
| | - Albert Braeuning
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), P.O. Box 33 00 13, D-14191, Berlin, Germany
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Lu MC, Huang DJ, Hsu CS, Liang CK, Chen GM. Improvement of indoor air quality in pet shop using gaseous chlorine dioxide. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:371. [PMID: 29858706 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6723-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that pet shops have a high concentration of bioaerosols. Thus, effective disinfection protocols are essential to protect the pet shop staff and visitors to the store. The present study examines the effectiveness of gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) fogging in minimizing the residual bacteria and fungi levels in a typical pet shop in Taiwan consisting of a commodity area, a lodging area, and a grooming area. This investigation uses three disinfection modes (DMs) according to different disinfection periods, namely once every hour (1DM), once every 2 h (2DM), and once every 3 h (3DM). The bacteria and fungi concentrations are measured before and after disinfection treatment, and the effectiveness of each disinfection mode is evaluated using standard statistical techniques. To assess the effect of the environmental factors on the disinfection efficiency, measurements are taken of temperature, relative humidity, airflow velocity, the carbon dioxide concentration, the PM1, PM2.5, PM7, PM10, and TSP level at each sampling locations. The results reveal that the effectiveness of the three disinfection modes depends on both the environmental parameters and the use of the three areas (e.g., commodity, lodging, or grooming). Hence, the choice of disinfection method should be adjusted accordingly. For all three disinfection modes, a faster air velocity is beneficial in spreading the disinfectant throughout the indoor space and improving the disinfection performance. Overall, the results presented in this study confirm that gaseous chlorine dioxide disinfection improves the air quality in the pet shop interior, and thus beneficial in safeguarding the health of the pet shop staff and visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chun Lu
- Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710, Taiwan
| | - Da-Ji Huang
- Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Shan Hsu
- Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Kuo Liang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taitung Junior College, Taitung, 95045, Taiwan
| | - Geng-Min Chen
- Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710, Taiwan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review explores animal allergen exposure in research laboratories and other work settings, focusing on causes and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS (1) Consistent with the hygiene hypothesis, there is new evidence that early childhood exposure to pets produces changes in the gut microbiome that likely lead to a lower risk of allergy. (2) Anaphylaxis from laboratory animal bites occurs more frequently than suggested by prior literature. (3) Animal allergens represent an occupational hazard in a wide variety of work settings ranging from fields that work with animals to public settings like schools and public transportation where allergens are brought into or are present in the workplace. Exposure to animal allergens can result in allergy, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Animal allergy has been most studied in the research laboratory setting, where exposure reduction can prevent the development of allergy. Similar prevention approaches need to be considered for other animal work environments and in all settings where animal allergens are present.
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Farokhi A, Heederik D, Smit LAM. Respiratory health effects of exposure to low levels of airborne endotoxin - a systematic review. Environ Health 2018; 17:14. [PMID: 29422043 PMCID: PMC5806377 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated endotoxin levels have been measured in ambient air around livestock farms, which is a cause of concern for neighbouring residents. There is clear evidence that occupational exposure to high concentrations of airborne endotoxin causes respiratory inflammation, respiratory symptoms and lung function decline. However, health effects of exposure to low levels of endotoxin are less well described. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize published associations between exposure to relatively low levels of airborne endotoxin and respiratory health endpoints. METHODS Studies investigating respiratory effects of measured or modelled exposure to low levels of airborne endotoxin (average < 100 EU/m3) were eligible for inclusion. In total, 1362 articles were identified through a Pubmed database search, of which 31 articles were included in this review. Studies were included up to February 2017. Overview tables and forest plots were created, and study quality was assessed. RESULTS Twenty-two included studies had a cross-sectional design, others were designed as longitudinal observational (n = 7) or experimental (n = 2) studies. Most studies (n = 23) were conducted in an occupational setting, some involved domestic or experimental exposure. Several studies reported statistically significant effects of exposure to low levels of endotoxin on respiratory symptoms and lung function. However, considerable heterogeneity existed in the outcomes of the included studies and no overall estimate could be provided by meta-analysis to quantify the possible relationship. Instead, a best evidence synthesis was performed among studies examining the exposure-response relationship between endotoxin and respiratory outcomes. Significant exposure-response relationships between endotoxin and symptoms and FEV1 were shown in several studies, with no conflicting findings in the studies included in the best evidence synthesis. Significantly different effects of endotoxin exposure were also seen in vulnerable subgroups (atopics and patients with broncho-obstructive disease) and smokers. CONCLUSIONS Respiratory health effects of exposure to low levels of airborne endotoxin (< 100 EU/m3) seem plausible. Future studies are needed to investigate ambient exposure to endotoxin and potential respiratory health effects, especially in vulnerable subgroups of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadèh Farokhi
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.178, 3508TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.178, 3508TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.178, 3508TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Kanchongkittiphon W, Mendell MJ, Gaffin JM, Wang G, Phipatanakul W. Indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma: an update to the 2000 review by the Institute of Medicine. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:6-20. [PMID: 25303775 PMCID: PMC4286274 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found relationships between specific indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma. OBJECTIVES In this review we provide an updated summary of knowledge from the scientific literature on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma. METHODS Peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2013 on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma were identified through PubMed, from reference lists, and from authors' files. Articles that focused on modifiable indoor exposures in relation to frequency or severity of exacerbation of asthma were selected for review. Research findings were reviewed and summarized with consideration of the strength of the evidence. RESULTS Sixty-nine eligible articles were included. Major changed conclusions include a causal relationship with exacerbation for indoor dampness or dampness-related agents (in children); associations with exacerbation for dampness or dampness-related agents (in adults), endotoxin, and environmental tobacco smoke (in preschool children); and limited or suggestive evidence for association with exacerbation for indoor culturable Penicillium or total fungi, nitrogen dioxide, rodents (nonoccupational), feather/down pillows (protective relative to synthetic bedding), and (regardless of specific sensitization) dust mite, cockroach, dog, and dampness-related agents. DISCUSSION This review, incorporating evidence reported since 2000, increases the strength of evidence linking many indoor factors to the exacerbation of asthma. Conclusions should be considered provisional until all available evidence is examined more thoroughly. CONCLUSION Multiple indoor exposures, especially dampness-related agents, merit increased attention to prevent exacerbation of asthma, possibly even in nonsensitized individuals. Additional research to establish causality and evaluate interventions is needed for these and other indoor exposures.
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Yilmaz I, Oner Erkekol F, Secil D, Misirligil Z, Mungan D. Reply. Occup Med (Lond) 2014; 64:471. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Liccardi G, Steinhilber G, Meriggi A, Sapio C, D'Amato G. Sensitization to pets in pet shop workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2014; 64:470-1. [PMID: 25146054 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Liccardi
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Gundi Steinhilber
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Meriggi
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Sapio
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
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Francuz B, Demange V, Mousel ML, Grzebyk M, Nicaise P, Chollet-Martin S, Choudat D. Manifestations allergiques ou irritatives chez le personnel des laboratoires de préparation et des animaleries d’un institut de recherche. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Cong W, Meng QF, Song HQ, Zhou DH, Huang SY, Qian AD, Su C, Zhu XQ. Seroprevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in three species of pet birds in China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:152. [PMID: 24690251 PMCID: PMC3974739 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common zoonosis worldwide, affecting a wide range of warm-blooded mammals and birds worldwide. However, no information on T. gondii infection in pet birds in China is available. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in pet birds in Gansu province, China. Methods A total of 687 blood samples were collected from pet birds (Carduelis spinus, Alauda gulgula, Cocothraustes migratorlus) in three representative administrative regions in Gansu province, northwest China between August 2011 and September 2012 T. gondii antibodies were determined using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Genomic DNA was extracted from the brain tissues of seropositive pet birds and T. gondii B1 gene was amplified using a semi-nested PCR.DNA samples giving positive B1 amplification were then genetically characterized using multi-locus PCR-RFLP. Results The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 11.21% (77/687). C. spinus had the highest T. gondii seroprevalence (11.65%), followed by A. arvensis (11.39%) and C. migratorlus (5.26%), these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Of 77 DNA samples, 8 were positive for the T. gondii B1 gene, four showed complete genotyping results. Only one genotype (the Type II variant: ToxoDB genotype #3) was identified. Conclusions The results of the present survey indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in pet birds in Gansu province, China. These data provide base-line information for the execution of control strategies against T. gondii infection in pet birds. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the occurrence of T. gondii prevalence and genotype in pet birds in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China.
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Yilmaz I, Oner Erkekol F, Secil D, Misirligil Z, Mungan D. Cat and dog sensitization in pet shop workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2013; 63:563-7. [PMID: 24174631 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqt116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitivity and symptoms related to animal proteins have been investigated in various occupational groups. However, data from pet shops are limited. AIMS To investigate rates of sensitivity to cats and dogs among pet shop workers, to assess the relationship between sensitivity, allergen levels and symptoms and to investigate whether passive transport from pet shops to homes is possible. METHODS Pet shop workers underwent interviews with a questionnaire adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Dust samples for allergen detection were collected from pet shops using a vacuum cleaner. Skin tests were performed with common allergens. Dust samples were also obtained from the houses of 7 workers and 12 control subjects. RESULTS Fifty-one workers from 20 pet shops were included in the study. Thirteen (25%) workers reported work-related symptoms. Four workers had sensitivity to animal allergens. The mean cat/dog allergen levels from pet shops were 15.7 and 3.2 µg/g, respectively. There was no significant relationship between cat/dog allergen levels and work-related symptoms and sensitivity to pets. None of the dust samples collected from the homes of pet shop workers contained cat allergens. Dog allergen was detected in only one house (0.58 µg/g). Neither cat nor dog allergens were found in the homes of the 12 control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Although a quarter of pet shop workers reported work-related symptoms, sensitivity to cat and dog was low. These findings suggest that work-related symptoms may be due to other factors than cat and dog sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Yilmaz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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Seldén AI, Calo A, Mölleby G, Hultgren O. Chironomid midge sensitization in sewage workers: case study. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 27:346-348. [PMID: 23734859 PMCID: PMC3842108 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01058.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Non-biting chironomid midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) may cause sensitization and allergic reactions in humans and have recently been identified as a potential health problem in Swedish municipal sewage treatment plants. To investigate, on a pilot scale, the allergenic potential of chironomids in sewage workers, all workers (n = 8) at a sewage treatment plant and local controls (n = 16) completed a symptom questionnaire, underwent measurement of the fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled air, spirometry, and provided serum samples for the determination of atopy status and the prevalence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against Chironomus thummi (Chi t) using a commercial fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA). Three sewage workers (38%) but no controls (0%) were FEIA positive for C. thummi-specific IgE antibodies (P < 0.05). No other health-related findings were significantly different between the groups. The study suggested that occupational exposure to Chironomids may cause sensitization with circulating IgE-antibodies in sewage workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Seldén
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
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Hilger C, Kler S, Arumugam K, Revets D, Muller CP, Charpentier C, Lehners C, Morisset M, Hentges F. Identification and isolation of a Fel d 1-like molecule as a major rabbit allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 133:759-66. [PMID: 23763973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabbits are increasingly kept as domestic pets. Several rabbit allergens have been characterized. However, their sequences are still elusive, and none of these molecules are available for diagnosis. OBJECTIVE We sought to isolate major allergens from the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and to investigate their importance in sensitized patients. METHODS Proteins were extracted from rabbit hair, and IgE-reactive proteins were purified by using sequential chromatography. Allergens were characterized by means of N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry. IgE reactivity to a new allergen was analyzed in sera of 35 patients sensitized to rabbits in a domestic setting. A model of the crystal structure of the isolated proteins was constructed. RESULTS A new IgE-reactive allergen, Ory c 3, was identified as rabbit lipophilin. The molecule that belongs to the secretoglobin family is a heterodimer of 18 to 19 kDa composed of 2 polypeptide chains, CL2 and AL. CL2 has a predicted N-linked glycosylation site confirmed by using mass spectrometry. Of the 35 patients with rabbit allergy studied, 27 (77%) had IgE to both the glycosylated and deglycosylated Ory c 3 heterodimer. Allergenicity of Ory c 3 was confirmed by using skin prick tests and the basophil activation assay. Modeling of the structure revealed a marked homology to Fel d 1, the major cat allergen. However, no IgE cross-reactivity was detected between Fel d 1 and Ory c 3. CONCLUSION The rabbit lipophilin heterodimer AL-CL2 has been identified as a major rabbit allergen. After Fel d 1, Ory c 3 is the second mammalian secretoglobin shown to be a major allergen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Hilger
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, CRP-Santé, Luxembourg.
| | - Stéphanie Kler
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, CRP-Santé, Luxembourg
| | | | | | | | | | - Christiane Lehners
- National Unit of Immunology-Allergology, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Martine Morisset
- National Unit of Immunology-Allergology, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - François Hentges
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, CRP-Santé, Luxembourg; National Unit of Immunology-Allergology, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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New Findings in Nonallergic Rhinitis and Local Allergic Rhinitis. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s40136-013-0013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Phipatanakul W, Matsui E, Portnoy J, Williams PB, Barnes C, Kennedy K, Bernstein D, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan D, Lang D, Nicklas R, Oppenheimer J, Randolph C, Schuller D, Spector S, Tilles SA, Wallace D, Sublett J, Bernstein J, Grimes C, Miller JD, Seltzer J. Environmental assessment and exposure reduction of rodents: a practice parameter. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012; 109:375-87. [PMID: 23176873 PMCID: PMC3519934 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Phipatanakul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Harvard Medical School Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Analysis of serum IgE reactivity profiles with microarrayed allergens indicates absence of de novo IgE sensitizations in adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:1418-20.e4. [PMID: 22867692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence of post-hire asthma (PHA) among insect-rearing workers, defined as asthma, the symptoms of which appeared after hire at the current workplace. METHODS We surveyed the health of workers at three insect-rearing facilities and an associated office facility. We calculated the incidence and estimated hazard ratios for PHA. RESULTS Post-hire asthma incidence in 157 insect-rearing workers was 16.2 per 1000 person-years compared with 9.2 per 1,000 person-years in 70 office workers. Workers with predominant exposure to Lepidoptera had an incidence of 26.9 per 1000 person-years and a hazard ratio of 5.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.6 to 23.9) adjusted for sex, race, and parental asthma. In contrast, the presence of specific immunoglobulin E to Lepidoptera antigens was not associated with PHA. CONCLUSION Insect-rearing workers had a high incidence of PHA, primarily accounted for by workplace exposure to Lepidoptera.
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