About Allergies: What is the Pork-Cat Syndrome?

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Allergy to cat dander is extremely common, and is typically caused by the major cat allergen, called Fel d 1. Another major cat allergen is albumin, which is an important blood protein, but can be found in cat saliva, urine as well as the animal coat. Certain people with respiratory allergies to cat albumin can also be allergic to pork meat. This relationship is termed the pork-cat syndrome and is caused by the similar structures of cat albumin and pork albumin. Luckily, most people who are cat allergic experience symptoms only as a result of the major allergen, Fel d 1, and therefore aren't allergic to pork meat. Find out more about this unusual form of food allergy. The Pork-Cat Syndrome Allergic reactions have been reported to pork meat as well as to wild boar meat. Certain people with respiratory allergies to cat albumin can also be allergic to pork meat. This relationship is termed the pork-cat syndrome and caused by the similar structures of cat albumin and pork albumin. Most people who are cat allergic experience symptoms due to the major allergen, Fel d 1, and therefore aren't allergic to pork meat. Search Related Topics:  cat allergy  meat allergy  cross-reactivity Meat Allergies Meat allergy, such as to beef, pork, poultry and lamb is uncommon, likely due to meats usually being cooked before being eaten. Cooking reduces the allergenic nature of foods by breaking down the proteins responsible for allergic reactions - if the protein causing the allergy (called the allergen), is broken down by heat, then the allergic antibody (IgE) no longer recognizes the protein, and the allergic reaction doesn't occur. Search Related Topics:  food allergy  egg allergy  milk allergy Cat Allergy Allergy to cats is extremely common, occurring in up to 25 percent of people with allergies. Cat allergy is more common than allergy to dog dander, which may be related to the potency of cat hair and dander as an allergen as well as the fact that cats are not generally bathed. The major cat allergen, called Fel d 1, is found in cat saliva, dander from sebaceous glands in the skin, fur, and anal sebaceous glands. Other cat allergens, including albumin, are found in the urine, saliva and blood. Related Searches Allergy or Allergies Food Allergies Cat Allergies Dog Allergies Allergies Treatment Featured Articles Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications Allergy Basics Frequently Asked Questions   More from About.com 10 Easy Ways to Look Thinner Don't wait until you've lost those first pounds to make these simple, slimming changes. Read more...> Create a Shared Photo Stream Sharing your photo stream with friends and family is a great way to keep in touch. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement