e203 Mink epithelium

e203 Mink epithelium Scientific Information

Type:

Whole Allergen

Display Name:

Mink epithelium

Allergen code:

e203

Family:

Mustelidae

Latin Name:

Mustela spp.

Other Names:

Mink, American Mink, European Mink

Clinical Relevance

IgE MEDIATED REACTIONS

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis occur commonly in fur farmers and fur garment workers (1).

In 42 women occupationally exposed in the fur manufacturing industry, the highest prevalence of positive immediate skin reactions to antigens of animal hair was found for Marten (10%), followed by Fox and Lamb (7%), Mink (5%), and Chinese Lamb, Domestic Fox, and Chinese Calf (2%). Precipitating antibodies were demonstrated for Lamb (17%), Astrakhan (14%), Mink, Domestic Fox and Skunk (12%), Chinese lamb (10%), and Chinese Calf (7%) (2).

A patient who developed occupational asthma, characterised by dry cough, dyspoea, wheezing, rhinoconjunctival itching, sneezing and rhinorrhoea as a result of exposure to Mink urine has been reported. Skin-specific IgE was positive to Mink urine and negative to Mink pelt (3).

Molecular Aspects

Allergenic molecules

Allergens with the same molecular weight were found in the fur and urine extracts, the most prominent allergenic bands being of 62-67 kDa, 23-25 kDa and 18-19 kDa (4).

Cross-reactivity

In a report on Ferret allergy, the authors note that in a Mink-allergic subject, specific IgG to Ferret interfered with the specific IgE measurement; it was hypothesised that the Mink-allergic subject's serum contained similar and competing antibodies (5) . Mink is a mammal of the same family as Ferret.

References

Savolainen J, Uitti J, Halmepuro L, Nordman H. IgE response to fur animal allergens and domestic animal allergens in fur farmers and fur garment workers. Clin Exp Allergy. 1997;27(5):479-81.
Codina R, Reichmuth D, Lockey RF, Jaen C. Ferret allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107(5):927
Uitti J, Nordman H, Halmepuro L, Savolainen J. Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function and allergy to fur animals among fur farmers and fur garment workers. Scand J Work Environ Health 1997;23(6):428-34
Zuskin E, Kanceljak B, Stilinovic L, Schachter EN, Kopjar B. Immunological status and respiratory findings in furriers. Am J Ind Med 1992;21(3):433-41
Jimenez Gomez I, Anton E, Picans I, Jerez J, Obispo T. Occupational asthma caused by mink urine. Allergy 1996;51(5):364-5