Occupational allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma to goat and cross-reactivity with cow epithelium

The development of sensitization and symptoms after the inhalation of epithelial allergens is common.

To investigate the allergic response (in vivo and in vitro) of 3 individuals clinically sensitive and occupationally exposed to cow and goat and to evaluate the allergenic cross-reactivity between cow and goat epithelium extracts.

Three patients--a butcher and 2 doctors in veterinary medicine--were evaluated. These patients reported allergic respiratory symptoms after occupational exposure to goats and cows. Extracts were prepared from epithelia of both animals. All the patients underwent organ-specific allergen challenges with cow and goat extracts. Four nasal and 2 bronchial challenges were conducted following standardized procedures.

All 3 patients had positive challenge results with the offending allergen extract. Specific IgE to goat allergens was detected in all patients. Several IgE-binding bands were detected. Inhibition assays (enzyme allergosorbent test and immunoblots) confirmed moderate-to-high cross-reactivity between goat and cow extracts.

We confirm clinical sensitivity and specific IgE binding to goat and cow allergens in occupationally exposed individuals. There was good correlation among the clinical history, exposure, and the laboratory findings.