Medical Surveillance of Allergy in Laboratory Animal Handlers

Allergic disease is a serious occupational health concern for individuals who have contact with laboratory animals. The principal respiratory symptoms include allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Urticaria (" hives") is the most common skin manifestation. The overall prevalence of allergic disease among laboratory animal handlers is about 23%, and respiratory allergy is much more common than skin allergy. Various studies have found...