A pilot study of immunotherapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis using a mannan-Dermatophagoides farinae allergoid targeting dendritic cells.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polymerized allergoids coupled to nonoxidized mannan (PM-allergoids) are novel allergen preparations used for immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate PM-allergoids as an alternative immunotherapy for dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) associated with serological responses to Dermatophagoides farinae allergens. ANIMALS Sixteen dogs with history and clinical signs of cAD; positive on serum allergen specific IgE testing to D. farinae. Twelve dogs were, in addition, positive to Acarus siro and/or Lepidoglyphus destructor. METHODS AND MATERIALS A prospective pilot study with no control group. PM-allergoids were administered by subcutaneous injection over a 10 month period. A pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and medication scores were evaluated. Adverse reactions were recorded. RESULTS: The median value of the pVAS of the dogs decreased from 0.6 to 0.2 with a median of 67% improvement over the first three months (P < 0.0001). The individual improvement for each dog was greater than 60%. No major adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Allergen-specific immunotherapy using an allergoid coupled to nonoxidized mannan may be an effective alternative for the management of cAD.