RAT ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Rats are in the Rodentia family of animals which also includes hamsters, mice and guinea pigs.
The allergen associated with an allergy to rats is a protein called lipocalin. These proteins transport molecules like lipids and steroids around the body.
Most pet dander allergies are down to lipocalin proteins (with the exception of cats).
Symptoms of an allergy to rats may include allergic contact dermatitis, rhinoconjunctivitis (itchy eyes), worsening asthma symptoms and general rhinitis.
The allergen associated with an allergy to rats is a protein called lipocalin. These proteins transport molecules like lipids and steroids around the body.
Most pet dander allergies are down to lipocalin proteins (with the exception of cats).
Symptoms of an allergy to rats may include allergic contact dermatitis, rhinoconjunctivitis (itchy eyes), worsening asthma symptoms and general rhinitis.
Associated Syndromes
Allergy to rat dander is strongly strongly associated with allergic rhinitis as well as asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis.
Cross Reactivity
A rat 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, hamsters, mice and rabbits.
Resources
Websites
Allergen Encyclopedia - Rat Urine Proteins
Articles and Journals
Hypoallergenic animals: A promise of hope for allergic patients? 2024
Could mosquito bites facilitate IgE sensitization to food and inhalant allergens? 2024
Component-Resolved Diagnosis Based on a Recombinant Variant of Mus m 1 Lipocalin Allergen, 2023
The diversity of lipocalin receptors, 2022
In silicoAnalysis of Cross Reactivity between Lipocalin of Domestic Animals, 2018
Anaphylaxis in laboratory workers because of rodent handling: two case reports, 2016
Allergy to furry animals: New insights, diagnostic approaches, and challenges, 2015
Analysis of allergens in rat fur and saliva, 2001
Purification and identification of allergenic alpha (2u)-globulin species of rat urine, 1996
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