Ferret epithelium
Ferret epithelium Scientific Information
Type: Whole Allergen
Display Name: Ferret epithelium
Allergen code: e217
Family: Mustelidae
Latin Name: Mustela putorius
Other Names: Ferret, Household Ferret, Polecat
Clinical Relevance
IgE mediated reactions
Asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and contact dermatitis.
A 41-year-old male experienced a near fatal asthma episode after washing his Ferret. He had experienced pruritis and erythema of the skin where he had been in contact with the animal
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 is hypothesized that the Mink-allergic subject's serum contained similar competing antibodies. Mink is a mammal of the same family as Ferret.
References
- Codina R, Reichmuth D, Lockey RF, Jaen C. Ferret allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107(5):927