ALLERGEN SKIN-TEST REACTIVITY IN AN UNSELECTED DANISH POPULATION - THE GLOSTRUP ALLERGY STUDY, DENMARK

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of allergen skin test reactivity in an unselected Danish population. A total of 793 subjects, aged 15-69 years, were invited, and 599 (75.5%) attended. The skin prick test was performed with standardized allergen extracts of high potency. Skin reactivity occurred in 28.4% of the subjects. The frequency of skin reactivity to the specific allergens ranged from 1.5% (Cladosporium) to 12.5% (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and the frequencies of skin reactivity to the allergen groups (pollen, animal dander, house-dust mites, and molds) were 17.6%, 8.7%, 14.0%, and 3.2%, respectively. Young women appeared to reflect the average skin reactivity. When compared with young women, skin reactivity to animal dander was more probable in young men (odds ratio (OR) value = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) of odds ratio value = 1.1-6.1). Current smokers were less likely than nonsmokers to be skin-reactive to pollen (OR = 0.4%; 95% CI = 0.3-0.7). In conclusion, allergen skin test reactivity was common, and was related to sex, age, smoking history, and probably genetic predisposition.