The association between specific IgE antibodies to component allergens and allergic symptoms on dog and cat exposure among Korean pet exhibition participants.

BACKGROUND

Component resolved diagnostics (CRD) in dog and cat allergy is not sufficiently investigated, especially regarding new components such as Can f 4, Can f 6, and Fel d 7. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential role of CRD with new components in predicting allergic symptoms on dog and cat exposure.

METHODS

Among 552 Korean adults who participated in a pet exhibition and completed questionnaires regarding exposure to dog or cat and allergic symptoms, 522 were venipunctured for measurement of IgE and IgG4 antibody concentration against dog and cat dander extract and underwent skin prick test (SPT). In 238 individuals who were sensitized for both dog and cat dander extract, the dog IgE components (Can f 1-6) and the cat components (Fel d 1/2/4/7) were analyzed.

RESULTS

An increasing number of sensitizing components was associated with the likelihood of having any allergic symptoms ( < 0.001 for dog and  < 0.01 for cat), and those of asthma ( < 0.01 for dog and  < 0.05 for cat) and rhinoconjunctivitis ( < 0.001 for dog and  < 0.05 for cat). Pairwise correlation of IgE levels was  = 0.56 ( < 0.001) for Can f 6 and Fel d 4,  = 0.74 ( < 0.001) for Can f 1 and Fel d 7 and  = 0.84 ( < 0.001) for Can f 3 and Fel d 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Polysensitization to dog and cat allergen components is associated with high likelihood of having allergic symptoms during exposure to dogs and cats. Cross-reactivity between dog and cat allergen components is also identified. CRD has a potential in fine-tuning prediction for allergic symptoms on dog and cat exposure.