The University of Minnesota Laboratory Animal Allergen Exposure Control Program (LAAECP) is intended to ensure the health and safety of personnel working with research animals by effectively managing and mitigating risks associated with exposure to allergens from research animals.
This program aims to promote awareness, provide education and training, implement best practices, and offer resources to minimize allergen-related health hazards and enable those with allergies to continue to complete animal research-related job responsibilities. The information in this program supplements but does not supersede the requirements listed in the Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) and Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP).
Risk of Developing Allergy to Laboratory Animals
The risk of developing a laboratory animal allergy occurs after exposure to allergens found in animal hair, dander, urine, serum, saliva, and on animal caging or bedding. Mild allergic reactions include itchy or runny eyes and nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and skin rashes. Serious reactions include asthma (coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath) or anaphylaxis.1
Although the risk is greater for a person with preexisting allergic disease, approximately 10% of people with no evidence of allergic disease will become sensitized and eventually develop symptoms upon exposure.2 Approximately 4% to 22% of symptomatic individuals will eventually develop occupational asthma.1
It is important to detect and report symptoms early to obtain the support and additional protections that are required to continue to safely work in the environment. Early detection of occupational asthma is important because continued exposure may result in persistent asthma and disability.
Common Laboratory Animal Allergens
The following table lists the source of rodent and rabbit laboratory animal allergens.1
| Laboratory Animal Allergensa | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal | Allergen | MWb (kD) | Source | Biological Function |
| Mouse (Mus musculus) | Mus m 1 (prealbumin) Mus m 2 Albumin | 19 16 | Hair, dander, urine Hair, dander Serum | Lipocalin-odorant binding protein Unknown Serum Protein |
| Rat (Rattus norvegicus) | Rat n 1A/Rat n 1B (α2u ~globulin) Albumin | 18.7 | Hair, dander Urine, saliva Serum | Lipocalin-pheromone binding protein |
| Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) | Cav p 1 Cav p 2 | Hair, dander, urine Hair, dander, urine | Unknown | |
| Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) | Ag 1 (Price and Longbottom 1990c) Ag 2 (Warner and Longbottom 1991) | 17 | Hair, dander, saliva Hair, dander, urine | Possible lipocalin |
| aAdapted from Wood RA. 2001. Laboratory animal allergens. ILAR J 42:12-16. bMW, molecular weight. cSee text for complete reference. | ||||
Laboratory Animal Allergen Symptoms and Signs
The following table lists allergic reactions to animal allergens.3
| Disorder | Symptoms | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Contact urticaria | Redness, itchiness of skin, welts, hives | Raised, circumscribed erythematous lesions |
| Allergic conjunctivitis | Sneezing, itchiness, clear nasal drainage, nasal congestion | Conjunctival vascular engorgement, cheminosis, clear discharge (usually bilateral) |
| Allergic rhinitis | Sneezing, itchiness, clear nasal drainage, nasal congestion | Pale or edematous nasal mucosa, clear rhinorrhea |
| Asthma | Cough, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath | Decreased breath sounds, prolonged, expiratory phase or wheezing, reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness |
| Anaphylaxis | Generalized itching, hives, throat tightness, eye or lip swelling, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea | Flushing, urticaria, angioedema, stridor, wheezing, hypotension |
Reporting Symptoms and Obtaining Support
Individuals that experience symptoms should complete the Animal Exposure Questionnaire (log-in to the Occupational Health Portal to access the form). The answers will be reviewed by the Occupational Health Provider. The individual should follow-up with any instructions or requests for information from the Biosafety and Occupational Health Department ([email protected]).
Following this process ensures appropriate administrative and financial support, such as additional precautions to safely return to work. Examples include assigning additional personal protective equipment to confer further skin or respiratory protection or, restricting an individual from completing tasks with the highest risk of anaphylaxis (such as procedures with the potential for animal bites). Both examples allow the individual to continue operating safely in their role.