Allergy to iguana

Background: Furry animals produce allergens that can cause allergic rhiniti s and asthma, In contrast, scaly animals, such as lizards, are assumed not to be allergenic, Objective: We sought to evaluate a 32-year-old man who complained of allerg ic rhinitis and asthma symptoms that occurred exclusively in his own home. He had dogs and cats at home but denied any increase in symptoms specifical ly associated with these pets, Skin prick testing initially performed to 42 common aeroallergens, including cat, dog, and house dust mite, elicited ne gative results. He later reported that the symptoms were worse on exposure to his pet iguanas, Methods: Skin prick tests were subsequently performed to an extract made fr om scales from his pet iguana, Extracts were also prepared from several zoo reptiles, Immunoassays for IgE antibody, as well as IgE immunoblots, were performed by using these extracts and the patient's serum. Results: The ski n prick test result with the pet iguana scale extract was positive, The pat ient's serum contained IgE antibody to his own pet iguana and to a zoo igua na, Conclusion: Our patient's history, skin test results, and in vitro studies clearly demonstrate that he is allergic to iguana, Physicians should be awa re that such allergy to scaly pets may occur and should not restrict histor y taking to questions about furry pets.