Pet ownership and matchmaking by allergen profiles in suitable breeds

Important results from the project

Allergy to pets is among the most common source of chronic illness and a socioeconomic burden, affecting 10-15% of the population. In this project we propose to develop a methodology to quantitatively measure the pet allergen profile to identify suitable match with ownership of allergic patients. Vi have analysed allergenprofiles in fur and saliva from 400 individual dogs and started quantitative IgE analysis (allergyprofile) in serum/plasma from dogsensibilised persons.

Expected long term effects

At the end of the project we will have 5-7 validated analytical methods for measurement of allergen profile and diagnostic products, for diagnosis of dog, cat and horse allergy. The tests will be simple, reliable and sensitive and quantitative results will be available within 10-15 minutes from start of sample loading. In the original project application the EVA technology was meant to be the diagnostic instrument. This part of the project (Davos Diagnostics) is delayed and therefore we used ELISA technology to achieve the project aims.

Approach and implementation

The project is divided into two main parts. Establishing tools for assay development, i.e. components for test development (allergens and monoclonal antibodies), standardized sampling protocols, assay development for measure and development and application of the EVA Biosensor technique. Application of the developed sampling and test methods for pet allergen profiling in samples from pets and of IgE to single pet allergens in seruma from pet allergic patients. Both parts have been fulfilled except that the EVA reader technology has been replaced by ELISA analysis.