Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA) and Rodents

Laboratory Animal Allergy Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA) and Rodents(LAA) and Rodents

Neil Grove

Division Of Laboratory Animal Medicine

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Note: Images used in this presentation are for educational, non profit use ONLY.

What is LAA?What is LAA?

LAA can be defined as allergic rhinitis LAA can be defined as allergic rhinitis (inflammation and fluid production in (inflammation and fluid production in linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids), asthma, and dermatological eyelids), asthma, and dermatological symptoms that may result from symptoms that may result from exposure to laboratory animals. exposure to laboratory animals.

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What are animal What are animal allergies?allergies?

Animal-related allergies and asthma are Animal-related allergies and asthma are exaggerated reactions of the body’s exaggerated reactions of the body’s immune system to animal proteins, also immune system to animal proteins, also known as allergens. Sources of these known as allergens. Sources of these allergens include animal dander, scales, allergens include animal dander, scales, fur, body wastes, and saliva.fur, body wastes, and saliva.

NIOSH 1998NIOSH 1998

What about mice?What about mice? The major mouse The major mouse

allergen is Mus m 1, or allergen is Mus m 1, or mouse urinary protein. mouse urinary protein. This allergen is found in This allergen is found in urine as well as in hair urine as well as in hair follicles and dander. Mus follicles and dander. Mus m 1 is produced in liver m 1 is produced in liver cells, and males produce cells, and males produce approximately four approximately four times more of it because times more of it because gene expression is gene expression is testosterone dependent. testosterone dependent.

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What about rats?What about rats? Rats are Rats are

responsible for responsible for symptoms in a symptoms in a large portion of large portion of people who have people who have laboratory-animal laboratory-animal allergy. The major allergy. The major sources of rat-sources of rat-allergen exposure allergen exposure appear to be in the appear to be in the urine and saliva of urine and saliva of the animal.the animal.

NRC 1997NRC 1997

Who is at risk?Who is at risk?

All animal handlers All animal handlers appear to be at risk appear to be at risk for developing work-for developing work-related allergy related allergy symptoms.symptoms.


Surprise, Surprise, Surprise, Surprise, SurpriseSurprise

The estimated prevalence of allergic The estimated prevalence of allergic symptoms in the general population symptoms in the general population of regularly exposed animal-care of regularly exposed animal-care workers ranges from 10% to 44%. workers ranges from 10% to 44%. An estimated 10% of laboratory An estimated 10% of laboratory workers eventually develop workers eventually develop occupation-related asthma. occupation-related asthma.

National Research Council 1997National Research Council 1997

In a survey of 5,641 workers from In a survey of 5,641 workers from 137 animal facilities, 23% had 137 animal facilities, 23% had allergic symptoms related to allergic symptoms related to laboratory animals.laboratory animals.

Of the workers with symptoms:Of the workers with symptoms: 82% had nasal or eye symptoms82% had nasal or eye symptoms 46% had skin complaints46% had skin complaints 33% had asthma33% had asthma NIOSH 1998NIOSH 1998

Who is at heightened Who is at heightened risk?risk?

There is a correlation There is a correlation between atopy (an between atopy (an inherited, familial inherited, familial tendency to develop tendency to develop some form of allergy some form of allergy such as hay fever, such as hay fever, asthma, eczema) and asthma, eczema) and the potential for the potential for developing LAA, and a developing LAA, and a stronger positive stronger positive correlation between correlation between atopy and development atopy and development of lower respiratory of lower respiratory symptoms (asthma). symptoms (asthma).

CCACCCAC

Workers who had Workers who had symptoms or signs of symptoms or signs of allergies before they allergies before they were employed as were employed as animal handlers are animal handlers are more likely to develop more likely to develop animal-induced animal-induced asthma. Allergic asthma. Allergic workers, particularly workers, particularly those sensitized to those sensitized to domestic animals such domestic animals such as cats and dogs, are as cats and dogs, are more likely to develop more likely to develop sensitivity to sensitivity to laboratory animals laboratory animals and asthma than non-and asthma than non-allergic workersallergic workers..


Who is at heightened risk? Who is at heightened risk? Is it Capt. Kirk or Is it Capt. Kirk or

Commander Uhura?Commander Uhura? Sorry Kirk, males are Sorry Kirk, males are

more likely to be more likely to be atopic than females atopic than females (47% vs 37%) and so (47% vs 37%) and so more likely to more likely to develop LAA.develop LAA.

CCACCCAC

What about smokers?What about smokers? There have been some There have been some

connections made connections made between smoking and between smoking and LAA. According to the LAA. According to the Canadian Council on Canadian Council on Animal Care “…if a Animal Care “…if a smoker does develop smoker does develop LAA, they are 1.5-3 LAA, they are 1.5-3 times as likely to get times as likely to get the lower respiratory the lower respiratory symptoms (asthma).”symptoms (asthma).”

CCACCCAC

How are we exposed to How are we exposed to allergens?allergens?

The principle route of exposure to The principle route of exposure to animal allergens is inhalation of animal allergens is inhalation of aeroallergens. Direct skin and eye aeroallergens. Direct skin and eye contact can also be a common route of contact can also be a common route of exposure and, occasionally, ingestion. exposure and, occasionally, ingestion. Percutaneous exposures may result Percutaneous exposures may result from animal bites, needle punctures from animal bites, needle punctures contaminated with animal allergens, or contaminated with animal allergens, or allergen contamination of wounds. allergen contamination of wounds.

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The principle route of exposure to The principle route of exposure to animal allergens is inhalation of animal allergens is inhalation of

aeroallergens.aeroallergens.

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So this means you are So this means you are breathing the allergen breathing the allergen in. As stated earlier, the in. As stated earlier, the major mouse allergen is major mouse allergen is Mus m 1, (mouse urinary Mus m 1, (mouse urinary protein). If the primary protein). If the primary mouse allergen is found mouse allergen is found in mouse urine, and the in mouse urine, and the primary means of primary means of exposure is through exposure is through inhalation, do you think inhalation, do you think that changing or that changing or dumping urine soaked dumping urine soaked mouse cages might be of mouse cages might be of concern for allergen concern for allergen exposure? exposure?

What do some of the What do some of the hallways and animal hallways and animal rooms smell like here on rooms smell like here on a Monday morning or a a Monday morning or a Tuesday after a holiday Tuesday after a holiday weekend? How do some weekend? How do some of those cages smell in of those cages smell in cage wash on those cage wash on those days? How much days? How much allergen are you allergen are you exposed to when you exposed to when you open the cage? Do you open the cage? Do you think your mask should think your mask should always be covering your always be covering your mouth and nose and mouth and nose and conformed to fit conformed to fit properly?properly?

Direct skin and Direct skin and eye contact eye contact can also be a can also be a common route of common route of exposure.exposure.

How are we exposed to How are we exposed to allergens on our skin?allergens on our skin?

Direct skin contact Direct skin contact exposure occurs exposure occurs when:when:

An animal, or animal An animal, or animal waste, touches your waste, touches your skinskin

Your skin comes in Your skin comes in contact with any contact with any object that has been object that has been exposed to animals exposed to animals (dirty gloves, dirty (dirty gloves, dirty bedding, dirty Tyvek)bedding, dirty Tyvek)

How are our eyes How are our eyes exposed?exposed?

Any fluid (blood, urine, etc.) or Any fluid (blood, urine, etc.) or exposed solid materials (soiled exposed solid materials (soiled bedding) in the eyes can expose you bedding) in the eyes can expose you to allergen, not to mention expose to allergen, not to mention expose you to any possible zoonotic disease, you to any possible zoonotic disease, or cause physical damage to the eye or cause physical damage to the eye itself. itself.

You can easily rub your eyes with your You can easily rub your eyes with your gloves and expose yourself to allergens.gloves and expose yourself to allergens.

Anytime you touch anything that has Anytime you touch anything that has animal dander or dust on it, and then animal dander or dust on it, and then touch your eyes, you expose yourself.touch your eyes, you expose yourself.

Example: Those of you that wear PAPR Example: Those of you that wear PAPR (powered air-purifying respirators) - the (powered air-purifying respirators) - the battery packs accumulate dust while battery packs accumulate dust while you are changing cages. After you have you are changing cages. After you have left a room and are carrying that battery left a room and are carrying that battery pack in your bare hands, you will expose pack in your bare hands, you will expose your hands to allergen, and if you touch your hands to allergen, and if you touch your eyes, you’ve exposed them.your eyes, you’ve exposed them.

Another example: Someone has Another example: Someone has placed a dirty cage on top of a PPE placed a dirty cage on top of a PPE bin and you pick it up with your bare bin and you pick it up with your bare hands to move it to the dirty cage hands to move it to the dirty cage cart, and then you touch your eyes, cart, and then you touch your eyes, you have now exposed your eyes.you have now exposed your eyes.

Another example: Another example: Changing the pre-Changing the pre-filter of a dump filter of a dump station without PPE station without PPE can easily expose can easily expose you. Dirty pre-filters you. Dirty pre-filters hold extremely fine hold extremely fine and allergen-and allergen-concentrated dust concentrated dust particles that can particles that can easily get in your easily get in your eyes, on your skin, on eyes, on your skin, on your clothes, and can your clothes, and can easily be inhaled. easily be inhaled.

How are we exposed How are we exposed percutaneously?percutaneously?

Percutaneous (through the skin) allergen Percutaneous (through the skin) allergen exposure is another concern.exposure is another concern.

Bite wounds, needle sticks, and allergen Bite wounds, needle sticks, and allergen exposure to open wounds are all examples, exposure to open wounds are all examples, and pretty avoidable if caution is taken. Is it and pretty avoidable if caution is taken. Is it important to be trained on how to handle important to be trained on how to handle animals properly and always be alert while animals properly and always be alert while handling them? Is it important to be very handling them? Is it important to be very cautious when handling sharp objects that cautious when handling sharp objects that have been exposed to animals, to use the have been exposed to animals, to use the sharps containers properly, and to never recap sharps containers properly, and to never recap needles? Should open wounds always be needles? Should open wounds always be properly dressed and not exposed?properly dressed and not exposed?

What are the symptoms What are the symptoms of LAA?of LAA?

Symptoms of LAA are the result of the Symptoms of LAA are the result of the release of biochemical mediators and the release of biochemical mediators and the generation of inflammation in the tissues generation of inflammation in the tissues induced by IgE (immunoglobulin E) induced by IgE (immunoglobulin E) response. The nature and intensity of the response. The nature and intensity of the symptoms are dependent on the level of symptoms are dependent on the level of exposure to the laboratory animal exposure to the laboratory animal allergen by the individual. These allergen by the individual. These symptoms can range from mild skin symptoms can range from mild skin reactions to severe asthma. reactions to severe asthma.

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The most common The most common symptoms are related to symptoms are related to allergic reactions allergic reactions involving the nose and involving the nose and eyes and are known as eyes and are known as allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, respectively. Nasal respectively. Nasal symptoms include symptoms include congestion, runny nose, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching; sneezing, and itching; ocular symptoms ocular symptoms include redness and include redness and itchy, watery eyes. Up itchy, watery eyes. Up to 80% of workers with to 80% of workers with LAA report nasal LAA report nasal symptoms.symptoms.

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Skin reactions Skin reactions include hives include hives (urticaria) (urticaria)

at the site of at the site of contact with contact with animal urine or animal urine or dander and as a dander and as a result of result of scratches from scratches from rough tails and rough tails and clawsclaws

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Other rashes Other rashes include include maculopapular maculopapular (measles- (measles-like)like) rashes, rashes, which are which are typically quite typically quite itchy and occur itchy and occur in about 40% of in about 40% of symptomatic symptomatic individualsindividuals

Asthma may affect 20 to 30% of Asthma may affect 20 to 30% of symptomatic workers exposed to symptomatic workers exposed to laboratory animals. Symptoms of laboratory animals. Symptoms of asthma consist of cough, wheezing, and asthma consist of cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is important to shortness of breath. It is important to recognize that symptoms related to recognize that symptoms related to laboratory animal exposure may laboratory animal exposure may continue for several hours after continue for several hours after exposure to the animals ceases. In exposure to the animals ceases. In addition, individuals may experience addition, individuals may experience symptoms of asthma when exercising symptoms of asthma when exercising and when exposed to cold air, dust and when exposed to cold air, dust particles, or strong odors. particles, or strong odors.

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Systemic allergic reactions, known as Systemic allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can occur (albeit rarely) as a result anaphylaxis, can occur (albeit rarely) as a result of an animal bite or from puncture wounds of an animal bite or from puncture wounds (e.g., needles contaminated with animal (e.g., needles contaminated with animal proteins). These reactions can manifest by proteins). These reactions can manifest by generalized itching, hives (urticaria), swelling generalized itching, hives (urticaria), swelling (angioedema) of the lips, eyes, and/or (angioedema) of the lips, eyes, and/or extremities, respiratory distress due to edema extremities, respiratory distress due to edema of the larynx, hypotension (shock), or acute of the larynx, hypotension (shock), or acute asthma attacks. These reactions are potentially asthma attacks. These reactions are potentially fatal. Occasionally, a milder form of systemic fatal. Occasionally, a milder form of systemic reaction can manifest in which the allergic reaction can manifest in which the allergic individual develops a maculopapular rash or individual develops a maculopapular rash or hives under protective clothing as a result of a hives under protective clothing as a result of a respiratory exposure to laboratory animal respiratory exposure to laboratory animal allergens.allergens.

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How long does it take to begin to How long does it take to begin to develop symptoms if I am allergic?develop symptoms if I am allergic?

Time from the onset of exposure to Time from the onset of exposure to development of symptoms is variable development of symptoms is variable but generally occurs within 3 yrs of but generally occurs within 3 yrs of beginning employment. beginning employment. Approximately one third of Approximately one third of individuals will develop symptoms in individuals will develop symptoms in the first year and 70% within 3 yrs.the first year and 70% within 3 yrs.

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In a study from the United Kingdom, In a study from the United Kingdom, the mean duration of employment the mean duration of employment before the onset of nasal symptoms before the onset of nasal symptoms was 214 days, 335 days for skin was 214 days, 335 days for skin symptoms, and 365 for the symptoms, and 365 for the development of chest symptoms development of chest symptoms (asthma).(asthma).

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How can we minimize How can we minimize exposure?exposure?

Exposure can be minimized by:Exposure can be minimized by: Protecting ourselves from exposure Protecting ourselves from exposure

with the proper use of PPE. with the proper use of PPE. Protecting ourselves from exposure Protecting ourselves from exposure

through good hygiene and through good hygiene and housekeepinghousekeeping

Proper PPE use is essential!Proper PPE use is essential!

The main source of exposure to The main source of exposure to allergens is through inhalation; allergens is through inhalation; therefore, respiratory protection is therefore, respiratory protection is the most important step that can be the most important step that can be taken to protect oneself from LAA. taken to protect oneself from LAA. Wearing a properly fitted respirator Wearing a properly fitted respirator mask of the appropriate type is mask of the appropriate type is essential to ensure that allergens are essential to ensure that allergens are not being inhaled. not being inhaled.

labanimal.com 2004labanimal.com 2004

PPEPPE The National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health

recommends that employees with known recommends that employees with known allergies to animals wear National Institute allergies to animals wear National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)–approved N-95 dust/mist (NIOSH)–approved N-95 dust/mist respirators. (these are our standard respirators. (these are our standard masks) masks) When properly fitted and worn When properly fitted and worn correctlycorrectly, these masks filter out at least , these masks filter out at least 95% of the particles that are capable of 95% of the particles that are capable of transporting animal allergens. transporting animal allergens.


PPEPPE

In cases when the N-95 respirator is In cases when the N-95 respirator is not sufficient, a PAPR can be not sufficient, a PAPR can be provided. ("PAPR") devices, marketed provided. ("PAPR") devices, marketed as the air helmet and air hat provide as the air helmet and air hat provide 100% HEPA-filtered air to control 100% HEPA-filtered air to control exposure and relieve symptoms for exposure and relieve symptoms for sensitized workers”sensitized workers”

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Protection of skin and hair from Protection of skin and hair from contact with animal allergens through contact with animal allergens through the use of the use of protective clothingprotective clothing is an is an effective means of prevention. Use of effective means of prevention. Use of dedicated clothing when in the facility dedicated clothing when in the facility also helps prevent the distribution of also helps prevent the distribution of allergens outside of the facility into allergens outside of the facility into offices or public areas, or to the offices or public areas, or to the employee's home. employee's home.


For example, while in the animal facility For example, while in the animal facility one may wear a uniform or scrubs rather one may wear a uniform or scrubs rather than street clothes, and a lab coat or than street clothes, and a lab coat or disposable garments that can be shed at disposable garments that can be shed at the facility door. Hair bonnets, shoe the facility door. Hair bonnets, shoe covers, and gloves are helpful in covers, and gloves are helpful in protecting contamination of skin and hair protecting contamination of skin and hair and, when shed at the facility door, and, when shed at the facility door, prevent the dispersal of allergens to the prevent the dispersal of allergens to the outside. outside. Eye protectionEye protection can also be can also be important to prevent exposure to important to prevent exposure to allergens and the symptoms of itchy, allergens and the symptoms of itchy, watery eyes.watery eyes.


Protection from exposure Protection from exposure through good hygiene is through good hygiene is

essential.essential.Hygiene -Hygiene - Good personal hygiene Good personal hygiene through through

frequent glove changing and frequent glove changing and hand washinghand washing can limit hand-to- can limit hand-to-nose or hand-to-mouth nose or hand-to-mouth transmission. (and hand to eye)transmission. (and hand to eye)


If you use a PAPR, the filter must be If you use a PAPR, the filter must be monitored and changed frequently. The monitored and changed frequently. The battery pack should be cleaned and kept battery pack should be cleaned and kept dust free (it can expose you), and the face dust free (it can expose you), and the face shield should be cleaned frequently and shield should be cleaned frequently and changed when necessary. changed when necessary.

As stated when addressing PPE, scrubs As stated when addressing PPE, scrubs should be worn whenever possible and should be worn whenever possible and taken off as soon as possible after working taken off as soon as possible after working with animals.with animals.

Protection from exposure Protection from exposure with good housekeeping is with good housekeeping is

very important.very important. Animal rooms should be frequently cleaned using wet Animal rooms should be frequently cleaned using wet

methods. Left in the room environment, aeroallergens methods. Left in the room environment, aeroallergens will eventually either settle out onto horizontal surfaces will eventually either settle out onto horizontal surfaces or adhere to hard surfaces. These settled and adhered or adhere to hard surfaces. These settled and adhered particles can become secondary sources of exposure, particles can become secondary sources of exposure, especially in the presence of poor cleaning habits or especially in the presence of poor cleaning habits or inappropriate cleaning methods. Dry sweeping, for inappropriate cleaning methods. Dry sweeping, for example, can be a significant source of exposure example, can be a significant source of exposure because re-suspended aeroallergens are introduced because re-suspended aeroallergens are introduced into the worker's breathing zone only feet away from into the worker's breathing zone only feet away from the point of emission. the point of emission. Compliance with Compliance with accreditation agencies and concerns for animal accreditation agencies and concerns for animal health usually promote satisfactory cleanliness health usually promote satisfactory cleanliness within the animal facility.within the animal facility.

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Precautions/PreventionPrecautions/Prevention Is it clear now why we stress the following?:Is it clear now why we stress the following?: When changing cages, scrubs must be worn, When changing cages, scrubs must be worn,

and not just street clothes under coverallsand not just street clothes under coveralls Limit the number of people who wear scrubs Limit the number of people who wear scrubs

out of the animal facilityout of the animal facility Keep your work shoes at workKeep your work shoes at work Safety glasses, safety glasses, safety glassesSafety glasses, safety glasses, safety glasses Frequently sanitize floors, wipe down racks, Frequently sanitize floors, wipe down racks,

and wipe off shelves above sinks and wipe off shelves above sinks

RecommendationsRecommendations

If you have any of the symptoms If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this training, report it to mentioned in this training, report it to your supervisor. The greater the exposure your supervisor. The greater the exposure you experience, the more severe your you experience, the more severe your symptoms will become. It is essential symptoms will become. It is essential that the allergy is caught early. “With that the allergy is caught early. “With early identification of allergic reactions to early identification of allergic reactions to animals and appropriate treatment, most animals and appropriate treatment, most people can avoid further injury or the people can avoid further injury or the development of asthma” development of asthma” NIH PamphletNIH Pamphlet

““Exposure to airborne allergens may Exposure to airborne allergens may first result in nasal, eye, and throat first result in nasal, eye, and throat irritation as well as skin hives. As irritation as well as skin hives. As many as 50% of workers with these many as 50% of workers with these symptoms go on to develop asthma symptoms go on to develop asthma symptoms such as recurrent episodes symptoms such as recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. tightness, and difficult breathing. Nasal symptoms usually develop first, Nasal symptoms usually develop first, occupational asthma without nasal occupational asthma without nasal symptoms is uncommon.” NIOSH symptoms is uncommon.” NIOSH 19981998

Wash your hands, wash your hands, Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands!wash your hands!

They touch everything and then they They touch everything and then they touch you – often without thinking you touch you – often without thinking you end up touching your eyes, mouth, end up touching your eyes, mouth, and skin. Keep those hands clean.and skin. Keep those hands clean.

Do not touch any part of your exposed Do not touch any part of your exposed body with dirty gloves. Touching your body with dirty gloves. Touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or exposed skin eyes, nose, mouth, or exposed skin with dirty gloves exposes you.with dirty gloves exposes you.

Report any ventilation issues in your Report any ventilation issues in your animal rooms immediately animal rooms immediately

An essential element of reducing An essential element of reducing exposure to aeroallergens is proper exposure to aeroallergens is proper ventilation and air flow.ventilation and air flow.

Keep your environment cleanKeep your environment clean

Dirty cages and bedding are sources Dirty cages and bedding are sources of allergens – get rid of them – dirty of allergens – get rid of them – dirty cages should not stay in the animal cages should not stay in the animal rooms for any longer than they have rooms for any longer than they have to and dirty bedding should not be on to and dirty bedding should not be on the floor, carts, racks or other the floor, carts, racks or other surfaces.surfaces.

If you are in a room that has If you are in a room that has a workbench, use it. They are a workbench, use it. They are an excellent means of an excellent means of protecting you from protecting you from allergens. allergens.

You have PPE – Use it – and then take it offYou have PPE – Use it – and then take it off

Keep allergens off your skin, out of your Keep allergens off your skin, out of your lungs, and out of your eyes. lungs, and out of your eyes.

Take off your scrubs at lunch time. They Take off your scrubs at lunch time. They have been exposed to allergens. Leaving have been exposed to allergens. Leaving them on extends your exposure, especially them on extends your exposure, especially while you are eating.while you are eating.

Common sense rules. If it touches or is Common sense rules. If it touches or is exposed to animals or animal materials in exposed to animals or animal materials in any way, it can expose you to allergens.any way, it can expose you to allergens.

ConclusionConclusion

It is up to It is up to youyou to to protect yourself protect yourself from allergen from allergen exposure by exposure by following following procedures, procedures, reporting reporting symptoms, and symptoms, and asking questions.asking questions.

ReferencesReferences ILAR 2001ILAR 2001 – ILAR Journal 42 (1) viewed at: – ILAR Journal 42 (1) viewed at:

http://dels.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjournal/42_1/http://dels.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjournal/42_1/ NIOSH 1998NIOSH 1998 – NIOSH ALERT Preventing Asthma in Animal – NIOSH ALERT Preventing Asthma in Animal

Handlers January, 1998Handlers January, 1998 National Research Council 1997National Research Council 1997 – “Occupational Health and – “Occupational Health and

Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals” National Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals” National Academy Press, 1997.Academy Press, 1997.

labanimal.com 2004 labanimal.com 2004 “Laboratory Animal Allergies: “Laboratory Animal Allergies: Overview of Causation and Prevention” viewedOverview of Causation and Prevention” viewed at: at: http://www.labanimal.com/laban/journal/v33/n10/full/laban1104-2http://www.labanimal.com/laban/journal/v33/n10/full/laban1104-25.html5.html

NIH Pamphlet NIH Pamphlet NIH Pamphlet “Allergies To Laboratory Animals – NIH Pamphlet “Allergies To Laboratory Animals – A Significant Health Risk”A Significant Health Risk”

CCAC (Canadian Council on Animal Care CCAC (Canadian Council on Animal Care http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/ETCC/Module12E/mhttp://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/ETCC/Module12E/module12-16.html#topodule12-16.html#top

Questions???????Questions???????1.1. Are workers who have been sensitized to dogs and cats more or Are workers who have been sensitized to dogs and cats more or

less likely to develop sensitivity to lab animals?less likely to develop sensitivity to lab animals?

2.2. What is the principle route of exposure to animal allergens?What is the principle route of exposure to animal allergens?3.3. The primary mouse allergen Mus m 1 is found in what The primary mouse allergen Mus m 1 is found in what

substances?substances?4.4. Bite wounds and needle sticks are examples of __________ Bite wounds and needle sticks are examples of __________

allergen exposure.allergen exposure.5.5. Symptoms of LAA are the result of the release of biochemical Symptoms of LAA are the result of the release of biochemical

mediators and the generation of inflammation in the tissues mediators and the generation of inflammation in the tissues induced by ____________response.induced by ____________response.

6.6. Up to ______ % of workers with LAA report nasal symptoms.Up to ______ % of workers with LAA report nasal symptoms.7.7. Another name for hives is _________.Another name for hives is _________.8.8. Measle-like or ________ rashes, are typically quite itchy and occur Measle-like or ________ rashes, are typically quite itchy and occur

in about 40% of symptomatic individuals.in about 40% of symptomatic individuals.9.9. Systemic allergic reactions, known as ___________, can occur as a Systemic allergic reactions, known as ___________, can occur as a

result of an animal bite or from puncture wounds.result of an animal bite or from puncture wounds.10.10. These masks filter out at least 95% of the particles that are These masks filter out at least 95% of the particles that are

capable of transporting animal allergens ___________.capable of transporting animal allergens ___________.

Questions??????Questions??????11. 11. PAPR stands for _______.PAPR stands for _______.12.12. _______ can be a significant source of exposure because re-_______ can be a significant source of exposure because re-

suspended aeroallergens are introduced into the worker's suspended aeroallergens are introduced into the worker's breathing zone.breathing zone.

13.13. Occupational asthma without _________ is uncommon.Occupational asthma without _________ is uncommon.14.14. ____________ can be defined as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and ____________ can be defined as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and

dermatological symptoms that may result from exposure to dermatological symptoms that may result from exposure to laboratory animals. laboratory animals.

15.15. True or false: Female mice produce four times more of the Mus m True or false: Female mice produce four times more of the Mus m 1 allergen.1 allergen.

16.16. Who is at risk for developing animal related allergy symptoms?Who is at risk for developing animal related allergy symptoms?17.17. True or false: Changing a dump station pre-filter poses no True or false: Changing a dump station pre-filter poses no

significant risk for allergen exposure.significant risk for allergen exposure.18.18. Generally, the onset of allergic symptoms occurs within the first Generally, the onset of allergic symptoms occurs within the first

____ years of employment.____ years of employment.19.19. It is important to leave your blues (scrubs) in the animal facility It is important to leave your blues (scrubs) in the animal facility

because____________because____________20.20. Ultimately, who is responsible for protecting you fromUltimately, who is responsible for protecting you from allergen allergen

exposure?exposure?

Credit and DisclaimerCredit and Disclaimer

The vast majority of this presentation The vast majority of this presentation was created while I was an employee of was created while I was an employee of Priority One Services (POS) at the Priority One Services (POS) at the National Institute of Environmental National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Thus, both Health Sciences (NIEHS). Thus, both groups deserve credit for supporting this groups deserve credit for supporting this work.work.

However, views expressed in this However, views expressed in this presentation are those of the author, presentation are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of and do not necessarily reflect those of POS, NIEHS, or UNC DLAM.POS, NIEHS, or UNC DLAM.

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Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA) and Rodents