Immunization and symptoms of atopic disease in children: Results from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood

Objectives. This study tested the hypothesis that immunization is related t o the prevalence of atopic disease in childhood. Methods. We used data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood to perform an ecologic analysis of national and local immuniza tion rates for tuberculosis, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis ( DTP), and measles and prevalence of atopic disease symptoms (asthma, allerg ic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema). Results. In 13- to 14-year-old children, there were significant negative as sociations with local birth-year immunization rates for DTP and measles but none with rates for tuberculosis. No associations were found in 6- to 7-ye ar-old children. No associations with national immunization rates were foun d. Conclusions. International variations in childhood atopic diseases are unli kely to be explained by variations in immunization.