engleski

Regional differences in sensitization to Ambrosia in Croatian children are not associated solely with airborne pollen concentrations

FP7 project ATOPICA (Atopic diseases in changing climate, land use and air quality) supported by EU Grant agreement NO: CP 282687 explores the combined pan-European impact of changes in climate, land use and air pollution on allergen pollen-induced diseases. To determine the prevalence and future incidence in allergy to Ambrosia in children from different exposure sites in pollen concentrations and air pollution. A cohort of 4016 children, aged 4-10 years, was recruited from 3 regions of Croatia differing in Ambrosia pollen concentrations: Slavonia with the highest (700-1000 grains/m3/24h, Zagreb area with medium (250-300 grains/m3/24h) and Dalmatia with the lowest (20-30 grains/m3/24h). Each participant underwent skin prick test (SPT) to a standard set of aeroallergens. Pollen concentration and air quality data were gathered from authorized institutions. A total of 379 children were sensitized to Ambrosia pollen. Prevalence of Ambrosia sensitization was 14.84 % in Zagreb area, 14.35 % in Slavonia and 1.53 % in Dalmatia. Analysis of sensitization in two age groups (4-6 and 7-10 years) reveals higher prevalence of Ambrosia, birch and D. pteronyssinus sensitization as well as double sensitization (birch and Ambrosia) in the older age group for all 3 regions. Sensitization to the above mentioned allergens was more prevalent in male participants. Levels of air pollution differed significantly in the 3 regions: the highest concentrations of NO2, O3 and PM10 were measured in the urban area of Zagreb, while the levels of air pollutants were low in Slavonia and Dalmatia. Region of Slavonia measures highest Ambrosia pollen concentrations, but the prevalence of sensitization to Ambrosia was the highest in the region with the highest levels of air pollution (Zagreb), suggesting influences other than pollen concentrations on Ambrosia sensitization rates. The lowest sensitization rate was in the region with the lowest airborne pollen concentrations and lowest levels of air pollutants (Dalmatia).

children ; ambrosia ; Croatia

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