An update on the prevalence and diagnosis of cat and dog allergy – Emphasizing the role of molecular allergy diagnostics

• Published in: Molecular immunology 2023-05, Vol.157, p.1-7
• Main Authors: van Hage, Marianne, Käck, Ulrika, Asarnoj, Anna, Konradsen, Jon R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergens; Allergy; Animals; Asthma - epidemiology; Cats; Diagnosis; Dogs; Hypersensitivity - complications; Hypersensitivity - diagnosis; Hypersensitivity - genetics; Immunoglobulin E; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Molecular allergy diagnostics; Prevalence
• ISSN: 0161-5890; 1872-9142; 1872-9142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.03.003

The clinical presentation of cat and dog allergy vary from discomfort caused by rhinoconjuncitivitis to severe asthma. Exposure to allergens from these animals is ubiquitous and allergic sensitization to cat or dog affect up to 25% of all children and adults, but allergic sensitization does not always cause symptoms. The introduction of molecular-based allergy diagnostics has improved the possibility to characterize the allergic patient in greater detail. However, the full clinical potential of using molecular allergology in the diagnosis, characterization and treatment of patients with allergy to cats and dogs has not yet been established, although significant progress has been made during the last decade, which will be reviewed in detail in this paper. •Allergy to cats and dogs are common, have a huge impact on quality of life and is a challenge for health care professionals.•Molecular allergy diagnostics is now introduced in epidemiological studies as well as in clinical studies.•Recent findings, as reviewed in this paper, point out the usefulness of molecular allergology in clinical practice.