Allergies to our pets are a common problem and may be increasing in frequency. Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) provides for an individualized approach to treatment and involves a detailed analysis of a patient’s sensitization profile. Seventy patients with known dog or cat allergies were included in this research. The total level of IgE, the class of antibody associated with allergies, was measured for a battery of feline and canine allergens.

Allergens are the protein components to which the allergic response is directed. Not all fur allergen components are available commercially for testing. These investigators examined sensitivity to three feline allergens and four canine allergens among the patients. The main feline allergen caused sensitizations in 93.9% of patients with sensitization to feline allergen components. Interestingly, the majority of patients had allergies to multiple allergens. Only 30% had sensitivity to only one allergen. The investigators conclude that this polysensitization could complicate treatment of people with fur allergies.