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Sheep epithelium

Sheep epithelium

Sheep epithelium Scientific Information
Type: Whole Allergen
Display Name: Sheep epithelium
Allergen code: e81
Family: Bovidae
Latin Name: Ovis spp.
Other Names: Sheep, Domestic sheep
WHO/ICD-11 code: XE25P

Clinical Relevance

IgE-mediated reactions Exposure to epidermal allergens may result in asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis.

Other topics

Allergy reactions to Sheep wool have been described, but conflicting results are apparent.A study reported that in early stages of wool processing the overall frequency of respiratory work-related symptoms was low and mainly nasal and/or ocular. The symptoms were not related to the stage of processing. Serum-specific IgE against wool extracts was not detectable.

In 64 wool textile workers, skin testing was performed with different wool allergens (domestic and Australian). The prevalence of positive skin-specific IgE to all allergens was higher in wool than in control workers, although the difference was statistically significant only for washed domestic wool (wool workers: 42.2%; control workers: 19.6%). Increased serum IgE levels were more frequent in wool (26.6%) than in control workers (3.1%). In wool textile workers there was a high prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. Many of the wool workers had an FEF25 lower than 70% of that predicted. The authors report that, in general, the prevalence of symptoms and the lung function abnormalities did not correlate with the results of specific (wool) skin tests, but that their data suggested that exposure to wool dust in some workers may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function, and that immunological abnormalities, although frequent in this group, did not appear to be associated with the severity of these changes.

Occupational dermatitis in Ewe milkers has been reported. This may be as a result of contact with milk rather than Sheep epithelium. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity resulting in respiratory crisis in a young man every time he milked his Sheep has been reported

Sheepskins may be a source of House Dust Mite and Cat allergens, as they rapidly accumulate allergens from the domestic environment. Sheepskins as infant bedding should be discouraged for infants at risk of sensitisation to House Dust Mites and Cats

References
  1. Radon K, Danuser B, Iversen M, Jörres R, Monso E, Opravil U, et al. Respiratory symptoms in European animal farmers. Eur Respir J. 2001;17(4):747-54.
  2. Moscato G, Catenacci G, Dellabianca A, Lecchi A, Omodeo P, Manfredi S, et al. A respiratory and allergy survey in textile workers employed in early stages of wool processing. Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia. 2000;22(3):236-40.
  3. Zuskin E, Kanceljak B, Mustajbegovic J, Godnic-Cvar J, Schachter EN. Immunological reactions and respiratory function in wool textile workers. Am J Ind Med. 1995;28(3):445-56.
  4. Gallo R, Cozzani E, Brusati C, Guarrera M. Ewe milker's hand dermatitis. Contact dermatitis. 2000;42(6):361-2.
  5. Quirce S, Olaguibel JM, Muro MD, Tabar AI. Occupational dermatitis in a ewe milker. Contact dermatitis. 1992;27(1):56.
  6. Vargiu A, Vargiu G, Locci F, Del Giacco S, Del Giacco GS. Hypersensitivity reactions from inhalation of milk proteins. Allergy. 1994;49(5):386-7.
  7. Sawyer G, Kemp T, Shaw R, Patchett K, Siebers R, Lewis S, et al. Biologic pollution in infant bedding in New Zealand: high allergen exposure during a vulnerable period. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 1998;102(5):765-70.
  8. Siebers RW, O'Grady GB, Fitzharris P, Crane J. House dust mite allergen accumulation on sheepskins. The New Zealand medical journal. 1998;111(1076):408-9