Siberian hamster: a new indoor source of allergic sensitization and XXXX .

@entity1 @entity748 @entity565 @entity566 @entity2490 @entity1576 @entity329
BACKGROUND: The identification of 'unknown' allergic sensitizations may determine the prognosis and treatment of @entity1 with @entity1576 . Currently, the presence in homes of 'exotic' animals as pets is increasing. In this article the Siberian hamster or dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) was identified as a new indoor source of aeroallergens and @entity1576 . METHODS: The subjects were six outpatients who were treated for @entity565 and @entity2490 . Siberian hamster hair extract was prepared with a standard wt/vol method, and @entity1 were skin-prick tested with the extract. Serum-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E against the Siberian hamster, common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) and @entity329 ( @entity329 ) was determined. IgE-immunoblotting was also performed for all six sera. Specific bronchial challenge was carried out with the Siberian hamster extract. RESULTS: Skin prick tests (SPT) with the Siberian hamster extract, and specific IgE-antibodies against Siberian hamster, were strongly positive in all six @entity1 . Determinations of specific IgE-antibodies against C. cricetus and @entity329 were negative in all @entity1 . IgE-immunoblotting of the sera revealed two IgE-binding fractions (MW 18 and 32 kDa) in five of the six sera. Specific bronchial provocation tests resulted in early @entity748 responses in the two @entity1 who were challenged. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals the Siberian hamster to be able to induce both sensitization and disease, and this species of hamster should be taken into consideration as a cause of @entity1576 in exposed subjects. A noteworthy finding was the lack of sensitization in our @entity1 to common hamster allergens ( @entity329 and C. cricetus) that are usually tested when hamster @entity566 is suspected.
