Both the variability and level of mouse allergen exposure influence the phenotype of the immune response in workers at a mouse facility.

Background: The role of natural aeroallergen exposure in modulating allergen-specific immune responses is not well understood.

Objective: We sought to examine relationships between mouse allergen exposure and mouse-specific immune responses.

Methods: New employees (n = 179) at a mouse facility underwent repeated assessment of mouse allergen exposure, skin prick tests (SPTs), and measurement of mouse-specific IgG levels.

Occupational mouse allergen exposure among non-mouse handlers.

This study assessed mouse allergen exposure across a range of jobs, including non-mouse handling jobs, at a mouse facility. Baseline data from 220 new employees enrolled in the Jackson Laboratory (JAXCohort) were analyzed. The baseline assessment included a questionnaire, allergy skin testing, and spirometry.