A retrospective analysis of 532 urban asthma patients revealed that cat sensitization occurs 2.5 times more frequently than dog sensitization, yet both allergen types produce comparable markers of asthma severity, according to research presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Francisco.

Investigators from Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, examined patients treated at severe asthma clinics between 2008-2019, addressing a research gap regarding comparative asthma severity between different pet allergen sensitization. The study found that 37.6% (200 patients) were cat-sensitized, 35.7% (190 patients) were dog-sensitized, and 30.6% (163 patients) demonstrated dual sensitization. Among mono-sensitized patients, 7.1% (38 patients) were sensitized exclusively to cats while 5.1% (27 patients) were sensitized exclusively to dogs.

Patients were stratified by allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels measured using the Northeastern U.S. 25 aeroallergens ImmunoCAP test. Researchers identified 161 patients (30.3%) with higher sensitization to cats, 63 patients (11.8%) with higher sensitization to dogs, 5 patients with equal sensitization levels, and 303 patients (57%) with no sensitization to either animal.

Equivalent Severity Markers Across Groups

Despite the prevalence difference, comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in asthma severity markers between cat- and dog-sensitized groups. Peripheral blood eosinophil counts showed no significant difference (p=0.17), nor did total IgE levels (p=0.06). Pulmonary function tests similarly demonstrated no significant variations.

Mono-sensitized individuals exhibited comparable patterns, with no significant differences in any measured parameters between those sensitized exclusively to cats versus those sensitized exclusively to dogs.

Clinical Implications

"Our data suggest that clinicians should recommend similar avoidance strategies for patients sensitized to either pet," noted researchers led by L. Samuels. This finding challenges any potential clinical bias toward differential management approaches based on the specific pet allergen involved.

The study's urban setting provides relevant context given that over 50% of U.S. households maintain cats or dogs as pets, and approximately 30% of individuals experience allergic reactions to these animals.

Source: Research Poster