ASTHMA AND SENSITIZATION TO ALTERNARIA - EPIDEMIOLOGIC DATA

Allergic sensitization to Alternaria alternata has been frequently rep orted in areas with a hot and dry environment. Alternaria represents u nder these conditions a major aero-allergen to which 7.5 to 17% of the general population can be sensitized, as reported in some areas in Au stralia or in the United States. The prevalence of this sensitization is higher in asthmatic patients for whom it could represent a risk fac tor of particular importance. Some studies have reported a substantial increase in children asthma risk related with Alternaria sensitizatio n. In Europe and in more humid areas, it is however difficult to estab lish such a relationship, since other aeroallergens are likely to play a prominent role.