Skin Prick Test Reactivity to Common Allergens Among Women in Entebbe, Uganda

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of atopic sensitization,and to identify common aeroallergens associated with atopic sensitization among women inEntebbe, Uganda, and to determine risk factors for atopic sensitization among those with andwithout a history of asthma or eczema. A case—control study was conducted within a trial ofdeworming in pregnancy, approximately 2 years after the intervention. Skin prick test reactivitywas assessed among 20 women with a history of asthma, 25 with history of eczema and 95controls. Overall prevalence of reactivity was estimated by adjusting for the prevalence ofasthma in the whole cohort. Overall skin prick test prevalence was: any allergen 30.7%,Blomiatropicalis10.9%,Dermatophagoidesmix 16.8%, cockroach 15.8%. The prevalence of a positiveskin prick test was significantly associated with a history of asthma (70% to any allergen vs.32%,P= 0.002) but not with a history of eczema (44% vs. 36%,P= 0.49). Women withMansonellaperstanshad significantly reduced odds for atopic sensitization (adjusted odds ratio 0.14, 95%CI 0.03—0.69); women with a history of asthma were less likely to have hookworm (adjustedodds ratio 0.24, 95% CI 0.07—0.81) but this association was weaker for women with a history ofeczema. [Clinical Trial No. ISRCTN32849447]