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Crete: does farming explain urban and rural differences in atopy?
M Barnes1, P Cullinan, P Athanasaki
1Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine (NHLI) and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, London, UK. m.barnes@rbh.nthames.nhs.uk
Summary
Children in rural Crete had lower atopy rates than urban children. Early farm exposure, including animal contact and unpasteurized milk, may explain this protective effect in urban populations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Urban-rural disparities in atopy prevalence are noted globally, with European studies showing less pronounced differences.
- A childhood spent on a farm is hypothesized to offer protective effects against allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate atopy prevalence differences between urban and rural children in Crete.
- To assess the influence of early farming environment exposure on these differences.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey conducted in Iraklion (capital) and five rural villages.
- Atopy assessment via skin prick tests using seven common aeroallergens.
Main Results:
- 997 children participated; 19.6% of urban children (Iraklion) and 9.6% of rural children showed positive skin prick tests.
- Urban children with early farm exposure (animal contact, unpasteurized milk before age 5) exhibited significant atopy gradients.
- These farm-related gradients in atopy were not observed in rural children.
Conclusions:
- Rural children in Crete exhibit lower atopy prevalence compared to their urban counterparts.
- Early exposure to a farming environment appears to be a significant factor in mitigating atopy in urban children.
- Findings support the 'farm effect' hypothesis, suggesting environmental exposures play a key role in allergy development.
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