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Original Article |
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Direct and prolonged exposure to dogs
does not influence the degree of skin prick test
positivity to dog allergen |
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G. Liccardi1, G.
D’Amato1, G. Walter Canonica2, M.
Hrabina3, A. Piccolo1,
M. D’Amato1, G. Passalacqua2 |
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1 Department of Chest Diseases
Division of Pneumology and Allergology, A. Cardarelli
Hospital, Naples, Italy
2 Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, Dept of Internal
Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy
3 Standardization Department, Stallergenes S.A., Antony
Cedex, France |
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J Invest Allergol Clin Immunol
2005; Vol. 15(3): 167-171 |
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Abstract |
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Background.
The relationship
between pet
ownership and the
risk of developing
allergic
sensitization to pet
allergens is still
controversial. We
assessed the
possible effect of
direct exposure to
dog allergen on skin
reactivity in
dogsensitized
patients. Methods.
We studied, in a
case-control trial,
116 adults
sensitized to dog
allergens (55 with a
dog at home for at
least 10 years and
61 without it). The
degree of response
was assessed by skin
prick test,
performed in
quadruplicate with
three concentrations
of allergenic
extract: A (1:20
w/v), B (1:200 w/v)
and C (1:2000 w/v).
The mean diameter of
each wheal was
assessed using a
visilog image
analysis software.
Results. No
significant
difference between
the two groups in
the wheal diameters
induced by the three
concentrations of
dog allergen could
be demonstrated.
Conclusion.
The results of this
study suggest that
direct dog exposure
in adults with
respiratory allergy
is not associated
with greater
cutaneous response
to dog allergens, as
compared to non
exposed subjects.
Key words:
Allergic
sensitization, dog
allergen, exposure,
respiratory allergy,
skin prick test. |
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