Latitude, birth date, and allergy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The space and time distribution of risk factors for allergic diseases may provide insights into disease mechanisms. Allergy is believed to vary by month of birth, but multinational studies taking into account latitude have not been conducted.

Methods and findings

A questionnaire was distributed in 54 centres to a representative sample of 20- to 44-y-old men and women mainly in Europe but also including regions in North Africa, India, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Data from 200,682 participants were analyzed. The median prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 22%, with a substantial variation across centres. Overall, allergic rhinitis decreased with geographical latitude, but there were many exceptions. No increase in prevalence during certain winters coul

SUBMITTER: Wjst M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1240049 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature