A comparative study of allergens of canine origin.

Among 115 children and young adults studied, 52 had current and 25 had past household exposure to dogs, totaling 77 subjects. Of 53 with clinical hypersensitivity to dog, 32 had a history of exposure, 34 positive cutaneous reactions and 15 RAST positive results. Of 62 without clinical hypersensitivity, 45 had a history of household exposure, 24 positive cutaneous reactions and 6 RAST positive results. Cutaneous tests were not done on seven individuals. The major type of clinical symptomatology to dogs was ocular and nasal, 40 of 53. Thirty-two of 53 patients developed asthma exacerbations alone, or in combination with other manifestations, upon dog exposure. Dermal reactions were urticaria is six and contact eczema in two subjects. RAST inhibition results suggested that in vitro testing may be more useful when allergens from specific dog breed extracts are characterized.