Clinical manifestations of allergy to animal proteins in a rural environment.

Proteins as allergens are mainly responsible for IgE-dependent allergic cli nical manifestations. The organs affected by a given protein are relatively specific according to the possible airborne nature of these allergens. Cut aneous penetration, theoretically more difficult, is favoured by more intim ate contacts and especially by a pre-existing alteration of the skin. Other more organ specific diseases and more complex mechanisms are also possible , such as contact dermatitis to proteins and extrinsic allergic alveolitis.