[Allergy to domestic and laboratory animals]

Animal proteins originating from numerous tissues whose epithelial debris represent very powerful allergens and sensitize numerous patients. Sensitization may occur very early, appearing while suckling. From the time this allergy is acquired to animal proteins, it may persist lifelong even in the absence of further contact. Recent knowledge in immunochemistry has enabled greater precision in the allergic origin of these disorders and to quantify them both in the domestic and industrial environment. Among the animals most prone to produce allergies, the cat and rodents have a particular importance. The improvement in the qualitative assessment of animal allergens allows a more precise diagnosis and when eviction is impossible the treatment of certain patients by desensitization. In allergies in laboratory animals the most powerful allergens are found in urine. Male animals are more allergenic than females. Effective preventative measures are currently under study but seem to allow a diminution in the frequency of sensitization and the seriousness of allergic manifestations. Finally the most recent aspect concerns cross reactivity between animals. This explains how certain individuals who have never been in contact with an animal of a particular species may experience an allergic reaction on the first contact.