Anaphylaxis to deer dander in a child: a case report

Hypersensitivity to deer dander is rarely reported, with only 26 cases in the literature. Ours is the youngest reported case and the first reported case of anaphylaxis on exposure to a live deer.

Evaluation of a case of anaphylaxis in a young boy upon exposure to a deer.

A 4-year-old boy experienced hives, swelling, and shortness of breath requiring epinephrine following a deer exposure. He had one mild reaction 5 days prior to his anaphylaxis with an indirect exposure. A deer dander extract was made from fur supplied by the patient's mother. IgE-mediated reactivity was positive for deer and cattle by both selective skin prick method and RAST results.

Hypersensitivity to wild animals can lead to life threatening anaphylaxis, even in children. Passive transfer of antigen may occur, but needs further investigation.