Type:
Whole Allergen
Allergen Encyclopedia
Table of Contents
Whole Allergen
e209 Gerbil epithelium
e209 Gerbil epithelium Scientific Information
Display Name:
Gerbil epithelium
Allergen code:
e209
Family:
Cricetidae
Latin Name:
Meriones unguiculatus
Other Names:
Gerbil, Mongolian Gerbil, Sand Rat
Environmental Characteristics
Other topics
This small rodent is found throughout the hot arid regions of Africa and Asia. Gerbils have large eyes, powerful, elongated hind limbs, and, unlike Rats and Mice, a fully furred tail, with a tuft at the end. Gerbils are 7.6 to 12.7cm long, excluding the tail, and are sandy, gray, brown, or reddish in color with white underparts. In recent years Gerbils have become popular as house pets. They are odorless, easy to raise, and usually gentle. Females may bear as many as 15 litters in a lifetime; each litter may contain up to 10 young. Because of the threat of escaped Gerbils breeding prolifically and becoming serious crop pests in a congenial climate with large food sources, their keeping is banned in some parts of the US.
Molecular Aspects
No allergens from this animal have yet been characterised.
Compiled By
Last reviewed- April 2022
References
- McGivern D, Longbottom J, Davies D. Allergy to gerbils. Clin Allergy 1985;15(2):163-5
- Rudolph R. Frequency of animal sensitization. Proceedings 11th International Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. Macmillam Press, London. 1983;437-444.
- Korenblat P, Slavin R, Marks E, Wenneker A. Gerbil keepers lung - a new form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Ann Allergy 1977;38:437
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