[Laboratory animals as a cause of occupational allergy]

Animal allergens are the strongest occupational allergens which sensitize the respiratory tract. Allergy to the animal is the most important occupational health hazard among people working with experimental animals in university and other research laboratories. The most common manifestations of allergy to laboratory animals are: bronchial asthma, rhinitis, contact urticaria, angioedema and contact dermatitis. The major source of allergen is the excreta and secreta of such animals as: rat, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, cow and horse. Among risk factors responsible for the development of animal allergy are: atopy, tobacco smoking and allergy to domestic pets. The diagnosis of laboratory animal allergy is usually based on a medical history. The objective evidence to support the diagnosis can be obtained from skin testing, a specific immunologic response and work related changes in peak flow rate. Reduction in the airborne levels of animal allergens not only at home, but also at work (proper ventilation, filter masks, elimination of domestic animals) and reduction of factors responsible for the development of bronchial hyperreactivity (avoidance of smoking), can contribute to decreasing the incidence of diseases.