HAMSTER DANDER ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Hamsters are rodents in the Cricetidae family of rodents. This family of animals includes voles and lemmings. Although very similar in size, hamsters and gerbils are not closely related, gerbils are more closely related to mice.
There is only 1 allergen associated with an allergy to hamsters, this includes their hair, dander (which is flakes of dry skin), urine and saliva.
Mes a 1 are lipocalin proteins, in other animal dander allergies this is the protein that most individuals react to. These proteins transport molecules like lipids and steroids around the body.
Associated Syndromes
Allergy to hamster dander is strongly strongly associated with allergic rhinitis as well as asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis.
Cross Reactivity
A hamster allergy can be strongly linked to other animal allergies due to the lipocalin proteins. There is evidence of cross reactivity due to this protein with cockroaches, cows, dogs, guinea pigs, horses, cats, mice, rabbits and rats.
These allergen lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
Allergen Encyclopedia - Hamster
Science Direct - Lipocalin
Allergy UK - Pet Allergy
Articles and Journals
Why is Pet (Cat/Dog) Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) Such a Controversial Topic? Current Perspectives and Future Directions , 2024
Associations between fetal or infancy pet exposure and food allergies: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study, 2023
The diversity of lipocalin receptors, 2022
Cross-reactivity of Can f 1 with Syrian hamster and Fel d 1 in children, 2021
Dog keeping at home before and during pregnancy decreased the risk of food allergy in 1-year-old children, 2020
Exotic pet allergy, 2019
Diagnosis of Allergy to Mammals and Fish: Cross-Reactive vs. Specific Markers, 2017
Molecular and Immunological Characterization of the First Allergenic Lipocalin in Hamster, 2014
Allergy to hamster - 4 case reports, 2014
Allergy to uncommon pets: new allergies but the same allergens, 2013
Siberian hamster: a new indoor source of allergic sensitization and respiratory disease, 2009
Anaphylaxis after hamster bites – identification of a novel allergen, 2004
Let me know if you found any of these interesting or useful.
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