f325 Sheep's milk

f325 Sheep's milk Scientific Information

Type:

Whole Allergen

Display Name:

Sheep's milk

Allergen code:

f325

Latin Name:

Ovis spp.

Other Names:

Sheep's milk

WHO/ICD-11 code:

XM8RU4

(ICD-11 is currently under implementation by WHO and the ICD-11 codes displayed in the encyclopedia may not yet be available in all countries)

Exposure

Allergen Exposure

Sheep's cheese, and other dairy products.

Unexpected exposure

Sometimes included in infant formulas.

Route of Exposure

Main

Sheep's cheese, and other dairy products

Unexpected exposure

Sometimes included in infant formulas.

Clinical Relevance

Sheep’s milk is sometimes recommended as a substitute for cow’s milk in atopic children. However, 15/16 cows´s milk allergic patients had IgE antibodies against sheep’s milk. Crossreactivity with cow’s milk was confirmed in RAST® inhibition (1). Serum albumin and caseins show homology to the corresponding proteins of cow and sheep (2). Milking sheep can cause IgE mediated respiratory problems in milk allergic individuals (3).

Molecular Aspects

Cross-reactivity

Crossreactivity between sheep's milk and cow's milk and whey might be expected.

Milk from other related animals.

Compiled By

Last Reviewed : June 2022

References

Bernard, H; Wal, JM; Creminon, C; Grassi, J; Yvon, M; Houdebine, LM. Sensitivities of cow’s milk allergic patients to casein fraction of milks from different species. Allergy; 1992;47: 306.
Spuergin, P; Walter, M; Schiltz, E; Deichman, K; Forster, J; Mueller. Allergenicity of a-caseins from cow, sheep, and goat. Allergy; 1997; 52: 293-298.
Vargiu; A; Vargiu, G; Locci,F; Del Giacco, Del Giacco, GS. Hypersensitivity reactions from inhalation of milk proteins. Allergy; 1994; 49:386-387.