Abstract
Background
IgE sensitisation patterns have been shown to change within the first 12 months of life and to be determined by maternal and environmental influences (Depner et al., JACI 2013; 131:781-8).
Objective
To explore the course of atopic sensitisation between birth and 6 years of age in the context of a farming environment.
Methods
Specific IgE levels for 6 food and 13 common inhalant allergens were assessed in cord blood and in peripheral blood at age 1, 4, and 6 years in the PASTURE (Protection against Allergy–Study in Rural Environments) birth cohort (n=1133) from rural regions of 5 European countries.
Results
Using a cut-off of 0.35 kU/L (RAST class 1), the prevalence of sensitisation to any allergen was 28% at year 1, 58% at year 4, and 54% at year 6. The steep increase between year 1 and 4 was also accompanied by a switch from RAST class 1 to 3 in about 20% of sensitised children.
Figure 1 illustrates diverse sensitisation patterns for farm and non-farm children with respect to seasonal and food allergens. Food sensitisation was more common in farm children only at lower levels, whereas seasonal sensitisation was more common in non-farm children at any level. Prevalence of sensitisation to perennial allergens did not differ between farm and reference children and peaked at 4 years at 30%.
Conclusion
Growing up on a farm might alter sensitisation patterns possibly revealing a modified immune response with a limited production of specific IgE.
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