Specific IgE to reindeer epithelium in Finnish reindeer herders

Reindeer herding is a major source of living for more than 4200 inhabitants in northern Finland. To determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms among reindeer herders clinical examinations and skin prick tests (SPT) with nine inhalant allergens were performed in 211 randomly selected men from 21 to 69 (mean 45) years. Specific IgE antibodies to reindeer epithelium (RE) and total serum IgE were evaluated in 99 herders, five persons who handled reindeer leather indoors, 21 atopic patients with cow allergy and another 20 subjects with specific IgE to other inhalant allergens. Positive SPT to RE was detected in one and specific IgE by using enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST) (greater than or equal to 0.8 PRU/ml) in seven herders. Specific IgE to RE was also demonstrated in one control. Using RAST inhibition a patient with cow allergy did not show cross-reactivity between cow and RE while another patient did. Thus, RE should be included in the allergy test panel when hypersensitivity to RE is suspected.