Perinatal Cat and Dog Exposure and the Risk of Asthma and Allergy in the Urban Environment: a Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Overview

Journal Clin Dev Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2012 Jan 12

PMID 22235226

Citations 39

Authors

Caroline J Lodge

Katrina J Allen

Adrian J Lowe

David J Hill

Cliff S Hosking

Michael J Abramson

Shyamali C Dharmage

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The literature is contradictory concerning pet exposure and the risk of development of asthma and other allergic diseases. Using longitudinal studies, we aimed to systematically review the impact of pet ownership in the critical perinatal period as a risk factor for allergies in childhood.

Methods: Medline database was searched for urban cohort studies with perinatal exposure to cats and/or dogs and subsequent asthma or allergic disease.

Results: Nine articles, comprising 6498 participants, met inclusion criteria. Six found a reduction in allergic disease associated with perinatal exposure to dogs or, cats or dogs. One study found no association. Two found increased risk only in high-risk groups.

Conclusion: Longitudinal studies in urban populations suggest that perinatal pets, especially dogs, may reduce the development of allergic disease in those without a family history of allergy. Other unmeasured factors such as pet-keeping choices in allergic families may be confounding the association seen in these high-risk families, and further study is required.

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