Laboratory animal allergy

Abstract

Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is a common health problem in biomedical research and the prevalence of allergy has been found to be as high as 56% of animal-exposed workers.1 Sensitization to laboratory animal allergens can give rise to both severe, acute (anaphylactic) reactions2 and disabling chronic illnesses (dermatitis and asthma). Both acute and chronic reactions to allergen exposure can have a significant adverse impact on affected workers and their employers. Several authors have reviewed this topic.3-5 Allergy to many different animals has been described.6 The allergens are present in hair, skin, feces, urine, and other material from the animals.3 The most important laboratory animal allergens have been identified and characterized.7 These include the major rat and mouse allergens, which are urinary proteins.