Background: A previous study described 2 patients with occupationally induced asthma caused by exposure to monkey. We describe a patient who developed asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis owing to sensitivity to a pet monkey. The patient had a long history of upper and lower allergic airway disease. When 2 pet macaque monkeys were introduced into the home, the patient noticed increasing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. During a particularly long exposure to the monkey in a car, the patient developed severe wheezing, rhinitis, and conjunctival edema. Objective: To demonstrate that a nonoccupational exposure to monkey can lead to allergic sensitivity. Methods: Commercially obtained macaque monkey hair was defatted in acetone and extracted. A total of 5 mug/mL of extract protein was adsorbed onto microtiter plates, and an alkaline phosphatase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on serum samples from 4 individuals: 2 controls, 1 individual with suspected sensitivity, and the patient. A positive result was an optical density greater than twice that of the control. Results: The patient's serum had an optical density greater than twice that of the control. The antibody levels of 2 control subjects-the patient's wife and one of the investigators-were elevated but not positive. The investigator had manifested asthma after exposure. Conclusions: This is the first report of sensitivity to monkey occurring in a nonoccupational setting.
