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Cat and dog sensitization in pet shop workers
I Yilmaz1, F Oner Erkekol, D Secil
1Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|November 1, 2013
Summary
Pet shop workers reported work-related symptoms, but sensitivity to cat and dog allergens was low. This suggests other factors may cause these symptoms, not direct pet allergies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Allergology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Limited data exists on animal protein sensitivity in pet shop workers.
- Occupational exposure to animal allergens is a concern in various professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cat and dog sensitivity in pet shop employees.
- To examine the correlation between allergen levels, worker sensitivity, and reported symptoms.
- To investigate the potential for passive allergen transport from pet shops to residences.
Main Methods:
- Interviews using a modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire.
- Collection and analysis of dust samples for cat and dog allergen levels in pet shops and homes.
- Performance of skin tests to assess sensitivity to common allergens.
Main Results:
- Twenty-five percent of 51 pet shop workers reported work-related symptoms; only 4 showed sensitivity to animal allergens.
- No significant correlation was found between allergen levels and symptoms or sensitivity.
- Cat allergens were not detected in workers' homes; dog allergens were found in only one home, and not in control homes.
Conclusions:
- Despite a high rate of work-related symptoms, pet shop workers exhibit low sensitivity to cat and dog allergens.
- Work-related symptoms in this cohort may stem from factors other than direct cat and dog sensitivity.
