Allergic hamster – does species matter
Estimates suggest that almost one in three people with allergic disease (15-30%) may be allergic to animal allergens [1]. Particles carried by cat and dog dander are the most common source of the problem, but allergenic proteins are produced by almost all of the fauna around us. This is not different for hamsters, which are among the most popular pets.
In a study in Lublin involving a group of nearly 800 people, as many as 80.3% of respondents admitted to have or to had a hamster at home – most commonly a Jungar hamster (38.2%) or a Syrian hamster (29.9%) [2]. This information is important insofar as animal allergens vary from species to species [1]. Individual allergenic proteins in hamsters may come from other sources (epidermis, sweat, sebum, urine, blood, saliva) [1]. At the same time, it is worth remembering that fur is a passive source of allergens, meaning that it only carries them [1].
Approximately 15% of owners do not develop sensitisation until a year after introducing a hamster into the home [1,3]. The animal leaves its dander and the secretions deposited on it in house dust, on carpets, mattresses and clothing. Allergens attached to clothing are transported further, e.g. to bus seats or the doctor’s surgery. They are small and light enough to remain in the air for a long time and can cause allergy symptoms as soon as they enter the respiratory tract [1].
Hamster allergy is still a poorly studied topic [4]. Only lipocalins have so far been characterised as allergenic proteins of these animals (this group of allergens is found in all ‘fur-animals’). The Phod s 1 protein is associated with sensitisation to the Syrian hamster, while the Mes a 1 protein is associated with sensitisation to the Syrian hamster [4,5].
What could indicate a hamster allergy? Symptoms of allergy
Hamster allergy found in diagnostic tests (skin or blood) does not always go hand in hand with the presence of any symptoms. They only appear when an allergy is present. It is worth remembering that the terms ‘’sensitisation‘’ and ‘’allergy‘’ are not the same. As a result of an allergy, after contact with a hamster (even indirectly, i.e. with its hair left in a public place, for example), the following can occur:
- rhinitis (watery),
- sneezing,
- conjunctivitis,
- dry cough,
- shortness of breath,
- urticaria [1].
The last mentioned symptom is reported in particular by laboratory workers. These people come into contact with allergens in high concentrations, especially when cleaning cages. Interestingly, a study has also been published that suggests that children of parents working with laboratory animals are sensitised to animal allergens more often than children that are not exposed [6]. As suggested by the authors of the study, a parent’s profession should be taken into account when diagnosing allergies in a child [6].
Complications and risk of anaphylaxis
A complication of hamster allergy is sometimes bronchial asthma. There is scientific evidence that this disease develops more frequently in cases of animal hypersensitivity than in sensitisation to pollen and moulds [1].
A few cases of anaphylactic reactions following hamster bites are also known (most of which occurred in Japan) [7]. Symptoms associated with these reactions include swelling of the fingers, widespread hives, palpitations and bronchospasm [7]. A person who experiences anaphylaxis may require medical attention in the emergency department.
How to deal with hamster allergy?
The management of hamster allergy does not differ from the symptomatic treatment of other types of inhalant allergies. In terms of pharmacology, the mainstays are second-generation antihistamines, possibly intranasal corticosteroids and, in the case of asthma, inhaled B-mimetics [1]. To avoid exacerbating the complaints, it is best to limit contact with the animal. Otherwise, symptoms may persist even despite medication.
