Related Experiment Videos
Storage mite allergy is common in a farming population
Clinical Allergy
|November 1, 1985
Summary
This study found a high prevalence of storage mite allergy in farmers on Gotland, with 6.2% of the farming population affected. Respiratory symptoms were common, particularly in those with hypersensitivity and IgE-mediated conditions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Allergology
Background:
- Farmers are frequently exposed to environmental allergens.
- Respiratory and eye symptoms are common in agricultural workers.
- Storage mites are potential allergens in farm environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of storage mite allergy among farmers on Gotland.
- To assess the association between storage mite allergy and respiratory symptoms in this population.
- To determine the prevalence of immediate hypersensitivity reactions in farmers.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological study involving 2578 farmers using questionnaires.
- Skin-prick tests and blood sampling for RAST (Radioallergosorbent test) against four storage mites were performed on 440 farmers.
- Total IgE analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- Immediate hypersensitivity reactions were observed in 40.0% of active farmers.
- The prevalence of atopic allergy was 15.6%.
- Storage mite allergy was diagnosed in 12% of the studied farmers, equating to a 6.2% prevalence in the total farming population. This prevalence rose to 37.8% in those with possibly IgE-mediated symptoms.
Conclusions:
- A significant prevalence of storage mite allergy exists among farmers with respiratory symptoms on Gotland.
- Environmental factors in farming likely contribute to the high rates of allergy.
- Further research into allergen avoidance and management strategies for farmers is warranted.