Sensitization to horse allergens without apparent exposure to horse. Report of two cases.

It has been well established that occupational exposure to horses increases the risk of allergic sensitization to horse hair, on the contrary very few data have been published in individuals without direct contact with horses. We describe two cases of severe respiratory symptoms triggered by a single direct exposure in two patients with only 4-5 previous short contacts with horses during the entire their life, since they live in urban area of Naples. Cutaneous and serological diagnostic tests showed significant sensitization to horse dander other than some common inhalant allergens.

Focus on cat allergen (Fel d 1): immunological and aerodynamic characteristics, modality of airway sensitization and avoidance strategies.

The increasing frequency of pet ownership (especially cats) in many industrialized countries has raised the level of exposure to the allergens produced by these animals. Moreover, it is likely that modern energy-saving systems and the wide use of upholstered furniture has resulted in closer contact between cats (and their allergens) and humans. Many different methods have been developed to quantify the main cat allergen (Fel d 1) in settled dust and in ambient air.