Early exposure to cats, dogs and farm animals and the risk of childhood asthma and allergy - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Early exposure to cats, dogs and farm animals and the risk of childhood asthma and allergy

Authors: Ojwang V, Nwaru BI, Takkinen HM, Kaila M, Niemelä O, Haapala AM, Ilonen J, Toppari J, Hyöty H, Veijola R, Knip M, Virtanen SM

Publication year: 2020

Journal: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Journal name in source: Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Journal acronym: Pediatr Allergy Immunol

Volume: 31

First page : 265

Last page: 272

ISSN: 0905-6157

eISSN: 1399-3038

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13186

Self-archived copy’s web address: https://trepo.tuni.fi/handle/10024/119049

Abstract

Background

Synergistic role of exposure to cats, dogs, and farm animals during infancy on the risk of childhood asthma and allergy remains unknown.

Objectives

To investigate independent and synergistic associations between exposure to indoor pets and farm animals during infancy and the risk of asthma and allergy by age 5.

Methods

We studied 3781 children participating in the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Nutrition Study. At age 5, a validated version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was administered to collect information on asthma and allergic disease, and exposure to indoor pets and farm animals during the first year of life. Allergen‐specific IgE antibodies were analyzed from serum samples. Statistical analyses employed Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression.

Results

Having a dog in the house was inversely associated with the risk of asthma (HR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.96), allergic rhinitis (OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53‐0.97), and atopic sensitization (OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63‐0.96). Having a cat was associated with a decreased risk of atopic eczema (OR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.92). Farm animals were neither independently nor in synergy with indoor pets associated with the outcomes.

Conclusion

Having a dog or cat in the house during the first year of life may protect against childhood asthma and allergy. We did not find a synergistic association between cat, dog, and farm animal exposure on the risk of childhood asthma and allergy. Future research should identify specific causative exposures conferred by indoor pets and whether they could be recommended for allergy prevention.