Specific lgE-dependent sensitization, atopy, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in apprentices starting exposure to protein-derived agents

摘要

Atopy, specific lgE sensitization, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) were examined in a co- hort of 769 apprentices starting career programs in animal health or veterinary medicine (Group 1), pastry making (Group 2), and dental hygiene (Group 3). The hypothesis were that: (1) a proportion of subjects can be "sensitized" although no significant specific occupational exposure has occurred; and (2) there is a relationship between baseline specific sensitization to work-related antigens and host characteristics.