Allergic manifestations in patients with sensitization to cat allergens

Relevance. Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in many countries, what leads to a high and widespread prevalence of their allergens and increase of sensitization to animal allergens with tendency of changing the dominant profile of sensitization with the predominance of the major cat allergen. The purpose of this study was to assess the severity of allergic rhinitis and its combination with other forms of allergic diseases in children sensitized to cat allergens. Materials and methods. Under our supervision there were 228 children aged 3-16 years old living in the cities of the Sverdlovsk region. Evaluation of the sensitization spectrum was carried out according to the results of prick tests and the level of sIgE by immunofluorescence method. Results. All children had manifestations of persistent allergic rhinitis. In 42.1% (n=96) of cases the upper and lower respiratory tract comorbidities were detected, in 16.6% (n=38) - manifestations of atopic dermatitis. In 65.4% (n=149) of children the total level of points on the SFAR scale was <9, complete control over the BA according to the results of the ACT questionnaire was established in 60.7% (n=68) of patients, lack of control - in 7.1% (n=8). Most children showed a significant increase of total IgE and eosinophilic cationic protein levels. Findings. High frequency of allergic comorbidities was noted. The mild persistent forms of respiratory allergies prevailed. A high frequency of polyvalent sensitization was identified.

allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, sensitization, cat allergens