D2.413 - Association of sensitization to fur animal allergens and Bet v 1 in the Russian population

Birch pollen allergens and furry animal epidermal allergens are known to be the leading respiratory allergens in the Russian population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between sensitization to these two types of allergens in a large sample of the Russian population.

The results of 2179 ImmunoCAP ISAC in patients with suspected atopy aged 0 to 91 years were analyzed. Associations between sIgE to epidermal allergens (Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, Sap f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5, Equ c 1, Equ c 3, Mus m 1) and to Bet v 1 were analyzed in all patients.

Of 2179 participants, sensitization to at least one cat allergen (Fel d 1, Fel d 2 and/or Fel d 4) was detected in 1042 (47.8%) individuals, dog (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5) in 701 (32.17%) individuals, horse (Equ c 1, Equ c 3) in 301 (13.8%) individuals, and mouse (Mus m 1) in 129 (5.94%) individuals. Sensitization to Bet v 1 was detected in 1266 patients (58.1%).

When comparing the frequency of sensitization (Chi-square (χ2) criterion) to animals depending on the presence of sensitization to birch allergen, a statistically significant association was found: in humans, in the presence of sensitization to birch allergen, sensitization to animal allergens was more frequently detected (p<0.001). Subjects with the presence of sIgE to Bet v 1 had a higher incidence of sensitization to fur animal components than in its absence (Fel d 1 (p<0. 001), Fel d 2 (p=0.087), Fel d 4 (p<0.001), Can f 1 (p<0.001), Can f 2 (p<0.001), Can f 3 (p=0.025), Can f 5 (p<0.001), Equ c 1 (p<0.001), Equ c 3(p=0.042), Mus m 1 (p=0.048)).

We also performed an association analysis using the non-parametric Wilcoxon T-criterion with FDR adjustment between sIgE levels to animal allergens and the presence of sensitization to Bet v 1, which revealed a significant association of sensitization to Bet v 1 and sIgE levels to Fel d 1, Can f 1, Can f 5 and Equ c 1 (p<0.001).

Logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of age, sex, and sensitization to birch allergen (Bet v 1) on the probability of having sensitization to cat (A), dog (B), horse (C), and mouse (D) allergens (Figure). It was found that people with confirmed sensitization to Bet v 1 had twice the risk of sensitization to cat, dog and horse allergens, and a 1.7-fold higher risk of sensitization to mouse allergens compared with patients who were not sensitized to Bet v 1.

The data obtained indicate a significant prevalence of sensitization to both birch pollen (Bet v 1) and animal allergens in the studied cohort. Notably, patients sensitized to birch allergen (Bet v 1) have an increased likelihood of sensitization to cat, dog, horse, and mouse allergens. These results underscore the importance of developing co-sensitization patterns and the need for careful evaluation of both pollen and epidermal allergens when screening patients for potential allergic conditions.