[Sensitization to cow and pig allergens among farmers in Eastern Poland]

The study aimed at assessing the frequency of sensitization to cow and pig allergens among farmers in Eastern Poland. Sixty eight farmers from 17 randomly selected family farms were examined. The study group included 30 females and 38 males, aged 18-84 years (median, 47 years), with exposure duration ranging from 1 to 80 years (median, 30 years). The farmers were interviewed and subsequently skin prick-tested with cow and swine epithelia. Blood samples were examined for the presence of IgE antibodies, specific to cow dander and swine epithelium, using enzyme immunoassay (UniCAP). None of the farmers complained of any symptoms when working with cows or pigs. In 13 farmers (19.1%) either positive skin pick test and/or the presence of IgE specific to cow and/or pig were found. Seven farmers (10.3%) reacted to skin prick tests: 2 to cow epithelium; 2 to pig epithelium; and 3 to both allergens. Specific IgE was also found in 7 farmers (10.3%): in 4 to cow dander; in 1 to cow epithelium; and in 2 to both allergens. There was a very weak correlation between skin tests and IgE determination; only one farmer showed positive reaction to cow allergens in both skin tests and IgE. Following the results of the previous and the present studies, it was concluded that in Poland the farm animal allergens are less important causes of work-related diseases than plant allergens.