Allergy to furry animals – Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Allergy to furry animals is a common cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma, ranging third behind allergy to pollen and house dust mites. Animal allergens are ubiquitous, they are present in homes with pets, but they are also detected at significant levels in public places. Animal dander extracts contain cross-reactive molecules, such as serum albumins, cystatins and certain lipocalins, limiting the specificity of a diagnosis relying on extracts, such as skin prick tests and sIgE to animal dander. Recent advances in molecular allergology have enabled a precise determination of the primary sensitizing source, the evaluation of potential cross-reactivity to other animals and thus a better personalized care.Exposure to cat and dogs in early life may be protective, but the timing of exposure seems to be critical and more studies are needed to conclude on the protective effects of furry animals. Sensitization to certain allergens at young age has been shown to be predictive of allergic symptoms in adolescence. In most cases, avoidance of animal allergens is not possible because of the emotional impact. Disease modifying immunotherapy is urgently needed for allergy to the most prevalent furry animals. In the occupational setting allergen reduction measures have reduced the prevalence of allergic sensitization in some settings, but occupational asthma is still of concern in farmers, veterinarians and all persons in close contact with animals. The goal of this research topic is to cover multiple aspects of allergy to furry animals, such as the characterization of novel allergens, advances in molecular diagnosis, strategies for immunotherapy and prevention, allergen detection and eviction methods, real world studies on sensitization and treatment.We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:• Molecular allergology: novel allergens, cross-reactivity patterns, IgE profiling and clinical symptoms• Diagnostic tests, in vitro and in vivo, including allergen challenge• Lifetime trajectories of sensitization and clinical allergy• Therapeutic management• Immune mechanisms• Allergen detection and eviction Topic editors: Christiane Hilger, Jon Konradsen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77159/allergy-to-furry-animals---diagnosis-treatment-and-prevention