Animal allergen sensitization in veterinarians and laboratory animal workers

Animal allergen sensitization in veterinarians and laboratory animal workers.

BACKGROUND Animals secrete allergens into the environment and exposure to these in the workplace may cause sensitization. AIMS To identify the frequency of animal allergen sensitization and symptoms in animal workers. METHODS Using skin prick tests (SPT), we assessed sensitization to 15 mammal and bird allergens in animal workers and controls. We also recorded symptoms and pulmonary functio...

The Dutch diagnostic model for laboratory animal allergen sensitization was generalizable in Canadian apprentices.

OBJECTIVE To assess the transportability of an existing diagnostic questionnaire model for the sensitization to laboratory animal (LA) allergens. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING The model was externally validated in 414 Canadian animal health apprentices. Several approaches were used: (1) no adjustment; (2) recalibration of the intercept of the model; (3) re-estimation of the intercept and the regre...

Lung function decline in laboratory animal workers.

In their recent paper Portengen and colleagues have made an important contribution to our understanding of laboratory animal allergy. However, they have omitted to draw attention to an observation of clinical importance to occupational physicians. They have suggested that the lack of decline in lung function in ‘‘experienced’’ workers may be due to the healthy worker effect. Their suggestion is...

Prevalence of Laboratory Animal Allergy in Laboratory Workers Tae

Spreading of occupational allergens: laboratory animal allergens on hair-covering caps and in mattress dust of laboratory animal workers.

BACKGROUND Family members of laboratory animal workers are at risk of developing allergy to laboratory animals. Little is known about the spreading of laboratory animal allergens outside the animal facilities. OBJECTIVE To assess the presence of laboratory animal allergens in dust collected from mattresses of laboratory animal workers and unexposed controls. METHODS Mouse and rat urinary pr...