IgG4 response to fur animal allergens among fur workers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether IgG(4) antibodies to allergens in urine extracts from fur animals associated with positive prick tests to the same allergens and with the occurrence of respiratory symptoms among fur workers, especially among highly exposed fur farmers.

Methods: Among the fur workers and among their referents, IgG(4) antibodies to mink and silver fox urine were analysed in three groups; all workers with a positive skin prick test to any fur animal allergen (n=50), all workers who had reported shortness of breath or rhinitis or eye symptoms (n=159), and to a random sample of asymptomatic persons (n=178). In the two last groups none of the workers had a positive skin test to any fur animal allergen.

Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function and allergy to fur animals among fur farmers and fur garment workers.

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and immediate hypersensitivity to fur allergens among fur farmers and fur garment workers and measured the pulmonary function of these groups of workers.

Methods: Fur farmers (N=188) and fur garment workers (N=175) were compared with workers in a factory producing polyvinyl products (N=181) and bank and health center workers (N=118), respectively. The groups were given a self-administered questionnaire, lung function tests (spirometry, diffusing capacity), and skin prick tests to common environmental allergens, and epithelium (hair) and urine of fur animals.

IgE response to fur animal allergens and domestic animal allergens in fur farmers and fur garment workers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the IgE response to the most commonly farmed fur animals with that to domestic animals.

Methods: IgE-immunoblotting and RAST-inhibition analyses were performed using RAST-positive sera from fur workers sensitized to fur allergens and sera from patients sensitized to domestic animal allergens.

Results: The urine extracts of mink, blue fox, silver fox, raccoon dog and fitchew contained more protein bands than the fur extracts did.

Detection of airborne reindeer epithelial antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition.

Hypersensitivity reactions to reindeer epithelial (RE) allergens have been recently demonstrated among reindeer herders. To determine the concentration of airborne RE antigens a method based on inhibition of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed. Dust samples were collected in workshops where reindeer leather was processed and the workers had inhaled dry epithelial dust during their working shifts.

Specific IgE to reindeer epithelium in Finnish reindeer herders.

Reindeer herding is a major source of living for more than 4200 inhabitants in northern Finland. To determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms among reindeer herders clinical examinations and skin prick tests (SPT) with nine inhalant allergens were performed in 211 randomly selected men from 21 to 69 (mean 45) years. Specific IgE antibodies to reindeer epithelium (RE) and total serum IgE were evaluated in 99 herders, five persons who handled reindeer leather indoors, 21 atopic patients with cow allergy and another 20 subjects with specific IgE to other inhalant allergens.