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 NameScientific Name(s)Allergen DesignationAllergen ClassRepresentative Illnesses
AspirinAcetylsalicylic acid; other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsAsaDrug allergenasthma, rhinitis, anaphylaxis
Birch Betula BetAeroallergen (inhaled, or “outdoor” allergen)hay fever
Cat Felis domesticus FelPet-associated (indoor)asthma, atopy, hives
Cockroach Blatella germanica Bla gPest-associated allergen (indoor)asthma, atopy, hives
Dog Canis familiaris CanPet-associated (indoor)asthma, atopy, hives
Dust mite Blomia tropicalis; Dermatophagoides farinae; Euroglyphus Blo t; Der f; EurIndoorallergic rhinitis; contact dermatitis; asthma
EggApovitellin; ovalbumin; ovomucoidGad d GalFood allergen
Imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Sol iInsect venomanaphylaxis
IodineRadiologic contrastIoDrug allergenanaphylaxis
Latex (rubber) Hevea brasilensis Hev bOccupational exposuresasthma, contact dermatitis, rhinitis
Molds Alternaria alternata; Aspergillus fumigatus; Cladosporium herbarum; Penicillium notatum Alt a; Asp f; Cla h; Pen nIndoor and outdoorallergic rhinitis, asthma
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris Art vOutdoor allergenhay fever
Olive Olea europaea Ole eFood allergenanaphylaxis
Peanut Arachis hypogaea Ara hFood allergenanaphylaxis
PenicillinBeta-lactamPcnDrug allergenanaphylaxis; rashes
Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia and othersAmbOutdoor allergenhay fever
Timothy grass Phleum pratense Phl pOutdoor allergenhay fever
Yellow jacket venom Vespula vulgaris and othersVes vInsect venomanaphylaxis
Wheat Gliadins glutens Tri aFood allergyanaphylaxis, “Baker’s asthma,” rhinitis

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