Taber's Medical Dictionary
allergen
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(al′ĕr-jĕn)
[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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