Abstract
The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of reported allergy and concentration of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) among school children in East Jerusalem. A cross-sectional sample survey of Palestinian schoolchildren in East Jerusalem was conducted. Questionnaires were completed by parents of children in nonboarding schools and supervisors in boarding schools. Blood samples were obtained to measure total and allergen- specific IgE concentrations. The prevalence of current reported allergy among school children was 12.3%. The mean age of students participating in the study was 9.5 years. Twenty eight percent of the tested children had a total IgE of 120 IU/mL and above. Allergen- specific IgE antibodies were highest against dust mite and dog in panel 1 (respiratory allergens), whereas casein and milk scored highest in panel 2 (food allergens). The reported allergy is prevalent among Palestinian schoolchildren. Serious efforts should be directed toward allergy prevention. (Pediatr Asthma Allergy Immunol 2006; 19[3]:154–161).
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