Reindeer epithelium
Summary
Direct or indirect contact with animal allergens frequently causes sensitisation.
Animal allergens are major components of the dust of Reindeer leather workshops.
Allergen
No allergens from this animal have yet been characterised.
Clinical Relevance
IgE mediated reactions
Asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis following exposure to Reindeer epithelial allergens may occur among Reindeer herders and in workshops where Reindeer leather is processed.
Reindeer herding is a major source of livelihood for more than 4200 inhabitants of northern Finland. The prevalence of allergic symptoms among Reindeer herders was investigated. Specific IgE antibodies to Reindeer epithelium and total serum IgE were evaluated in 99 herders, 5 persons who handled Reindeer leather indoors, 21 atopic patients with Cow allergy and another 20 subjects with specific IgE to other inhalant allergens. Positive SPT to Reindeer epithelium was detected in 1, and specific IgE (by using enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST); a positive result being greater than or equal to 0.8 PRU/ml) in 7 herders. In a second report, these authors claim that positive skin-specific IgE to common allergens in Reindeer herders was to some extent lower than expected and that only 1 of 211 subjects had positive SPT to Reindeer epithelium.
Workers exposed by inhalation to dry epithelial Reindeer dust during their working shifts were examined for serum-specific IgE to Reindeer epithelial allergen. One of 5 workers was positive. Reindeer epithelial antigen concentrations varied from 0.01 microgram to 3.9 micrograms/ in the air of the workshop. With the exception of 1 worker, all claimed work-associated respiratory symptoms.
Cross-Reactivity
Reindeer and Deer are members of the same family. Deer dander allergens have been shown to be cross-reactive with the corresponding Cow allergens. RAST inhibition studies have also demonstrated antigenic cross-reactivity among Deer, Elk, Cat, Cattle and Horse. A certain degree of cross-reactivity may be expected for reindeer as well.
References
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- Amrol DJ, Georgitis JW, Dunagan DP. Anaphylaxis to deer dander in a child: a case report. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000;85(5):372-3
- Reijula K, Virtanen T, Halmepuro L, Anttonen H, Mantyjarvi R, Hassi J. Detection of airborne reindeer epithelial antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition. Allergy 1992;47(3):203-6
- Reijula K, Halmepuro L, Hannuksela M, Larmi E, Hassi J. Specific IgE to reindeer epithelium in Finnish reindeer herders. Allergy 1991;46(8):577-81
- Reijula K, Larmi E, Hassi J, Hannuksela M. Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function among Finnish reindeer herders. Arctic Med Res 1990;49(2):74-80