Mink epithelium
Clinical Relevance
IgE MEDIATED REACTIONS
Asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis occur commonly in fur farmers and fur garment workers.
In 42 women occupationally exposed in the fur manufacturing industry, the highest prevalence of positive immediate skin reactions to antigens of animal hair was found for Marten (10%), followed by Fox and Lamb (7%), Mink (5%), and Chinese Lamb, Domestic Fox, and Chinese Calf (2%). Precipitating antibodies were demonstrated for Lamb (17%), Astrakhan (14%), Mink, Domestic Fox and Skunk (12%), Chinese lamb (10%), and Chinese Calf (7%).
A patient who developed occupational asthma, characterised by dry cough, dyspoea, wheezing, rhinoconjunctival itching, sneezing and rhinorrhoea as a result of exposure to Mink urine has been reported. Skin-specific IgE was positive to Mink urine and negative to Mink pelt.
Cross-Reactivity
In a report on Ferret allergy, the authors note that in a Mink-allergic subject, specific IgG to Ferret interfered with the specific IgE measurement; it was hypothesised that the Mink-allergic subject's serum contained similar and competing antibodies. Mink is a mammal of the same family as Ferret.
References
- Savolainen J, Uitti J, Halmepuro L, Nordman H. IgE response to fur animal allergens and domestic animal allergens in fur farmers and fur garment workers. Clin Exp Allergy. 1997;27(5):479-81.
- Codina R, Reichmuth D, Lockey RF, Jaen C. Ferret allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107(5):927
- Uitti J, Nordman H, Halmepuro L, Savolainen J. Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function and allergy to fur animals among fur farmers and fur garment workers. Scand J Work Environ Health 1997;23(6):428-34
- Zuskin E, Kanceljak B, Stilinovic L, Schachter EN, Kopjar B. Immunological status and respiratory findings in furriers. Am J Ind Med 1992;21(3):433-41
- Jimenez Gomez I, Anton E, Picans I, Jerez J, Obispo T. Occupational asthma caused by mink urine. Allergy 1996;51(5):364-5