Detection of Serum Allergen-Specific IgE in Atopic Dogs Tested in Northern Italy: Preliminary Study

Simple Summary Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a genetically predisposed allergic skin disease associated to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. Serum Allergen-Specific IgE test (SAT) is used to detect allergen-specific IgE antibodies and to set-up a specific immunotherapy. The present study aims to identify the most relevant environmental allergens in a population of atopic dogs living in Northern Italy by using SAT, due to the absence of data in this area. Out of 117 selected client-owned dogs, 69 were included in the study. A screening test was used to identify indoor and outdoor allergens positivity and a specific serum allergy test was performed to detect an extended panel of allergens. Among the 49 positives to the screening test, 53% were positive for both indoor and outdoor, 38.8% only for indoor, and 8.2% only for outdoor allergens. Mites and pollen of Rumex acetosa, and grasses were the most represented allergens. This is the first study to collect data on the frequency of specific allergens involved in CAD in Italy by using SAT. In accordance with the result of this study, specific panels for geographical areas should be considered and re-evaluated at time intervals since numerous factors affect the prevalence of IgE positivity in atopic dogs. Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. IgE is detected using Serum Allergen-Specific IgE test (SAT) in order to identify allergens. The present study aims to identify the environmental allergens in atopic dogs living in Northern Italy using SAT. The screening SAT (sSAT), using a monoclonal antibody cocktail-based ELISA to identify indoor and outdoor allergens, was performed. In all positive samples, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody ELISA test was performed to extend panel of allergens. Out of 117 selected dogs, 69 were included in the study; 71% were positive and 29% were negative to sSAT. Among the 49 positive sSAT, 53% were positive for both indoor and outdoor, 38.8% only for indoor, and 8.2% only for outdoor allergens. This is the first study on the frequency of allergens involved in CAD in Italy using SAT. IgE hypersensitivity in atopic dogs of Northern Italy is usually associated with indoor allergens, primarily house dust mites. Among the outdoor allergens, an important role was played by Rumex acetosa. Polysensitization also commonly occurs. Therefore, since the numerous factors affect the IgE positivity in CAD, specific panels for geographical areas should be considered and re-evaluated at time intervals.