[Atopic allergy in an Icelandic urban population 20-44 years of age.]

This is a part of a second stage of EC Respiratory Health Survey and the aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of atopic allergy among urban population of men and women aged 2CM4 years, living in the capital Reykjavik and suburbs. Altogether 800 individuals were invited of whom 570 participated (77%). All participants answered questionnaire and 540 individuals were skin prick tested by 12 allergens. 20.5% had positive skin tests, defined as at least one allergen positive by a weal reaction of 5=3 mm, 20.1% male and 20.9% female. The highest prevalence of allergy was in the agegroup 20-24 years. Results of single allergens: timothy grass 8.5%, cat 7.6%, dog 6.3%, D. pteronyssinus 6.1%, Lepidoglyphus destructor 3.2%, birch 3.0% and Cladosporium 1.1%. Other allergens reacted positive in less than 1% each; altogether 11.2% were positive to one or more animals and 10.6% to timothy and/or birch. RAST tests were done by five allergens. RAST results =50.35 ku/1 (RAST class 5=1) to timothy was 11.9%, to cat 7.5%, to D pteronyssinus 9.2%, to birch 5.9% and to cladosporium 6.5%. The only statistically significant risk factor for allergy was mothers history of allergy symptoms. Compared to already published data from other EC Respiratory Health Survey countries, the prevalence of atopic allergy appear to below in Iceland.