allergen

(al′ĕr-jĕn )

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[ aller(gy) + -gen ]
Any substance that causes a hypersensitivity reaction or abnormal immune response. Allergens do not stimulate an immune response in everyone, only in those sensitized to them. Common allergens include inhalants (dusts, pollen), foods (wheat, eggs), drugs (aspirin, serum), infectious agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses), contactants (chemicals, animals), and physical agents (heat, cold). SEE: allergy; SEE: antigen; SEE: irritation; SEE: sensitization; SEE TABLE: Common Allergies and Allergens
Common Allergies and Allergens

Common Name	Scientific Name(s)	Allergen Designation	Allergen Class	Representative Illnesses
Aspirin	Acetylsalicylic acid; other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs	Asa	Drug allergen	asthma, rhinitis, anaphylaxis
Birch	Betula	Bet	Aeroallergen (inhaled, or “outdoor” allergen)	hay fever
Cat	Felis domesticus	Fel	Pet-associated (indoor)	asthma, atopy, hives
Cockroach	Blatella germanica	Bla g	Pest-associated allergen (indoor)	asthma, atopy, hives
Dog	Canis familiaris	Can	Pet-associated (indoor)	asthma, atopy, hives
Dust mite	Blomia tropicalis; Dermatophagoides farinae; Euroglyphus	Blo t; Der f; Eur	Indoor	allergic rhinitis; contact dermatitis; asthma
Egg	Apovitellin; ovalbumin; ovomucoid	Gad d Gal	Food allergen
Imported fire ant	Solenopsis invicta	Sol i	Insect venom	anaphylaxis
Iodine	Radiologic contrast	Io	Drug allergen	anaphylaxis
Latex (rubber)	Hevea brasilensis	Hev b	Occupational exposures	asthma, contact dermatitis, rhinitis
Molds	Alternaria alternata; Aspergillus fumigatus; Cladosporium herbarum; Penicillium notatum	Alt a; Asp f; Cla h; Pen n	Indoor and outdoor	allergic rhinitis, asthma
Mugwort	Artemisia vulgaris	Art v	Outdoor allergen	hay fever
Olive	Olea europaea	Ole e	Food allergen	anaphylaxis
Peanut	Arachis hypogaea	Ara h	Food allergen	anaphylaxis
Penicillin	Beta-lactam	Pcn	Drug allergen	anaphylaxis; rashes
Ragweed	Ambrosia artemisiifolia and others	Amb	Outdoor allergen	hay fever
Timothy grass	Phleum pratense	Phl p	Outdoor allergen	hay fever
Yellow jacket venom	Vespula vulgaris and others	Ves v	Insect venom	anaphylaxis
Wheat	Gliadins glutens	Tri a	Food allergy	anaphylaxis, “Baker’s asthma,” rhinitis

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