Raccoon epithelium--a new allergen source.

We report the case of a 39-year-old asthmatic patient who developed acute rhinoconjunctivitis, Quincke's edema, and asthma after repeated exposure to a raccoon (Procyon lotor) which a friend kept at home. Skin prick and scratch tests with native raccoon hair and epithelium, as well as RAST, were clearly positive. Elimination of contact with the raccoon and avoiding the home of his friend led to a cessation of the patient's acute exacerbations.