Sensitization to cockroach allergens in the urban atopic populations living in Campania district (southern Italy). A multicenter study.

Background: Although cockroach (CR) is an important cause of allergic sensitization worldwide, only a few data are available in Italy and in a previous study we have observed, in Naples area, a low prevalence of CR sensitization.

Objectives: We sought to perform a prospective study for assessing the prevalence of allergic sensitization to CR in a sample of atopic population living in Campania district area (Southern Italy).

Methods: Ten Allergy Units or Centres of Campania district participated in this cross-sectional study.

Sensitization to rodents (mouse/rat) in an urban atopic population without occupational exposure living in Naples, Italy.

Background: Until now no data on allergic sensitization to rodents allergens in Western Europe and Italy are available. The aim of this report was to investigate clinical significance and characteristics of IgE-mediated sensitization to mouse/rat (M/Rt) allergens in atopic subjects not occupationally exposed to these animals and living in urban area of Naples.

Methods: In 1765 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects with an immediate skin reaction to M/WRt dander clinical history including a carefijul evaluation ofthe modality of exposure, the results of skin-prick tests (SPTs) and specific IgE antibodies were recorded.

Direct and indirect exposure to horse: risk for sensitization and asthma.

Most studies on the sensitization to horse allergens in populations without professional exposure have been carried out in geographical areas where the rate of horse ownership is high and horse riding is popular. Very few studies have been carried out in populations living in large urban areas. This gap in the literature probably reflects the widespread view that prevalence of horse-related allergy is low in urban populations because the latter are not regularly exposed to horses.

Is sensitization to furry animals an independent allergic phenotype in nonoccupationally exposed individuals?

Background: Patients sensitized to common pets (cat, dog) frequently display an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated response to allergens from other animals.

Objective: To evaluate whether individuals sensitized to common pets might be at higher risk of developing allergic sensitization to other mammalian allergens.

Methods: The study population comprised 900 consecutive patients (300 individuals sensitized to different allergens including those of cat and dog [group AL, 300 sensitized to allergens other than those derived from cat and dog [group B], and 300 nonsensitized individuals [group C, controls]).

Sensitization to horse allergens in Italy: a multicentre study in urban atopic subjects without occupational exposure.

Background: Horses play a significant role in people's leisure time in Italy and other countries, but few data are available on IgE-mediated sensitization to horse allergens in patients without occupational exposure. We assessed, in a multicentric survey, the prevalence of horse sensitization in atopic subjects and its clinical characteristics.

Methods: Allergists from the whole Italian territory were required to collect the results of skin prick tests from at least 100 consecutive subjects.

Horse allergens: An underestimated risk for allergic sensitization in an urban atopic population without occupational exposure.

Background: Data on allergic sensitization to horse allergen in modern urban areas are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of allergic sensitization and the modality of exposure to horse allergens in atopic patients living in an urban area and without occupational exposure to horse and/or horse-derived materials.

Methods: From among 1822 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects who had an immediate skin reaction to horse dander.

Rabbit allergens: a significant risk for allergic sensitization in subjects without occupational exposure.

Background: Although rabbits are becoming popular as pets, data about the characteristics of allergic sensitization to rabbit allergens in patients without professional exposure are scarce.

Aims Of The Study: To determine the characteristics of allergic sensitization to pet rabbits, and the role of direct and indirect exposure to rabbits and rabbit allergens in non-professionally exposed patients.

Methods: From among 1124 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects with an immediate skin reaction to rabbit dander.