Aero-allergen sensitization in a general population: data from the LEAD population cohort study

Background: Sensitization to aero-allergens is a common condition worldwide and prevalence vary between countries tremendously (17%-69%). Sensitization is related to allergic disease conditions and conflicting data of associated factors exists. Therefore, we aimed to investigate 1.the prevalence of positive SPT including age and sex distribution and 2. associated factors with positive SPT in a broad-aged European general population Methods: 11.283 males and females aged from 6-82 yrs. from the Austrian LEAD general-population cohort have been included with aero-allergen SPT and assessments of socioeconomic status (SES), exposure to tobacco smoke, lifestyle habits, allergic and/or respiratory diseases, body composition, family medical history and pets in household. Results: Positive SPT was higher in males vs. females in both age groups (42.9% vs. 30.5% and 42.2% vs. 33.7%, p House dust mite and grasses mix were the most prevalent allergens in both age groups; however, associated factors with a positive SPT differed in the two age groups (Table1 and Table 2). Conclusion: We found that a positive SPT is a highly prevalent condition in the general population, more prevalent in males vs females, the main allergens are grasses mix and house dust mite, in both age groups. There is a difference in factors associated with SPT between childhood/adolescence and adulthood.