Skin sensitivity reactions to some allergens in different population groups of Ethiopian subjects

Int J Environ Health Res. 2007 Dec;17(6):397-406. doi: 10.1080/09603120701628701.

Abstract

The prevalence of allergic diseases to a variety of allergens has only been studied in a few countries and it has never been studied in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of skin sensitivity reactions to allergens in Ethiopian subjects. A total of 216 subjects were tested with a skin scratch test using five types of allergens and also for total and differential white blood cell counts. Positive reaction to one or more allergens was detected in 49.5% of the subjects, the most prevalent allergen being mite extract. Some 27% showed a positive reaction to multiple allergens. The mean eosinophil count was higher in the subjects reacting to at least one of the allergens compared to those with no reaction (p=0.038). The results demonstrate a high prevalence of allergic reactions to the few allergens tested. Further studies using several allergens are recommended to substantiate this finding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Comorbidity
  • Ethiopia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Infant
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mites / immunology
  • Population Groups / ethnology
  • Prevalence
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Allergens