2302. Allergen. Molecule. Cat (rFel d1), IgE antibodies

Many people mistakenly believe that animal hair is the cause of allergies. In fact, it is a carrier of the allergen, but safe itself.

The prevalence of cat allergy in the atopic population is about 20%, and sensitization to the feline epidermis is an important risk factor for asthma.The most studied cat allergen Fel d1 is recognized in more than 90% of patients with allergies and accounts for 50-90% of the total allergenic activity of the epidermis of cats. Fel d 1 levels in living rooms are not related to the color or length of the cat's coat. The allergen Fel d 1 is emitted in large quantities and accumulates in house dust.

Allergy to cats can manifest as allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, or atopic dermatitis. Respiratory symptoms vary in intensity; in some, they appear after prolonged contact with the cat, while in others, the attack can begin literally when the animal appears. Skin symptoms usually appear with direct contact with the animal. If an allergic reaction is expressed only in this way, then it is enough to exclude contact with representatives of the feline.

Some people with cat allergies have cross-reactivity to dog, horse, and pork allergens.Knowing the patient's level of sensitization to various molecular components of a feline allergen helps the allergist to predict the likely course of the disease, cross-reactivity, and the expected effect of treatment.

• recommended for the diagnosis of cat allergies;
• if sensitization to cats is suspected in children and adults with bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis / conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema, gastrointestinal disorders, anaphylactic shock and other manifestations of allergic diseases;
• in cases where it is planned to have a cat in a family where there are children and adults prone to allergic reactions.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: