IgE recognition profile of aeroallergen components in young children sensitized to dogs

Background Pet ownership is increasing rapidly and as growing numbers of dogs in household, clinicians are facing more allergic patients and so as in young children. Objective This study aims to profile the IgE recognition patterns to aeroallergen components in young children sensitized to dogs. Methods Through retrospective chart reviews, we evaluated the clinical, environmental, and laboratory findings of patients sensitized to dogs in early life. We further evaluated specific IgE to dog component allergens (Can f 1, Can f 2, and Can f 3) and other aeroallergens using a microarray. Results The median age of 28 patients sensitized to dogs (dog-specific IgE ≥ 0.35 kU/L; 0.38-101 kU/L) was 61 months and underlying diseases included doctor diagnosed atopic dermatitis (n = 17), asthma (n = 7), and allergic rhinitis (n = 5). Twenty patients (71.4%) had experienced self-reported dog allergy and 70.0% of them were symptomatic after exposed to dogs from others. Component-resolved diagnosis was performed on 18 patients. Can f 1 positivity was the most common (77.8%) but had no value in symptom prediction. The most common cosensitized aeroallergen was house dust mites (44.5%). The symptomatic group tended to be poly-sensitized to Can f 1, Can f 2, and Can f 3. Conclusion Can f 1 was dominantly detected and poly-sensitized to Can f 2 and/or Can f 3 simultaneously tend to develop hypersensitivity to dogs in young children. Most of them were exposed to dogs not living with.