The distribution in specific IgE and the prevalence of allergic symptoms in 25-64-years old inhabitants of an eastern and a western German city - Results from Augsburg and Erfurt

Background: In an earlier study it has been found that allergic symptoms an d sensitization in adults were more frequent in Hamburg (northern part of W est Germany) compared to Erfurt (East Germany). The purpose of this study w as to replicate these findings using data from Augsburg, a city from the so uthern part of West Germany. Furthermore the study population in this analy sis was extended to higher age groups. Methods: The prevalence of respirato ry symptoms, assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, was compared in a random sample of adults, 25-64years of age, living in Augsburg (n = 1572 ) and Erfurt (n = 1648). From a subset (n = 754, resp. 1144) specific IgE t o common aeroallergens were measured and atopic sensitization was defined a s the presence of at least one positive specific IgE (CAP > 0). Results: Th e prevalence of allergic rhinitis, wheezing, asthma and atopic sensitizatio n was higher in Augsburg than in Erfurt (OR: 2.0; 1.3; 2.1; 1.7; all p < 0. 01). For these differences no specific explanation could be found, i.e. the percentage of sensitized persons was equally increased in Augsburg for ast hmatics, patients with hay fever or asymptomatic subjects. Furthermore, sen sitization was equally increased for all common allergens. The differences were largest for the youngest age group, but also existed for higher ages. Conclusions: The increased prevalence of allergies observed in Hamburg, a n orthern city of West Germany, is also found in Augsburg, a southern city of West Germany, both compared to Erfurt in East Germany. This supports the f inding that unspecific causes related to western lifestyle play an importan t role. Further research is needed to identify the causal influences.