[A preliminary assessment of the incidence of atopy at a workplace in Cracow]

Abstract

Skin tests, IgE level and eosinophils percentage were determined in 337 employees of the "Hydrokop" Works in Cracow. These investigations aimed at seeking more specific markers of allergy than anamnesis and skin tests. Allergy was reported by 108 individuals (38%). Some features of atopy were confirmed in 7.5%. Skin tests were positive in 36 individuals and were related to atopy in 55%. IgE levels were 10 IU/ml--greater than 1000 IU/ml with the distribution similar to log-normal. Mean IgE concentration was relatively high (202 IU/ml, in the individuals with confirmed congenital allergy. Percentage of eosinophils exceeded 3% in 39 subjects out of which 17 reported the symptoms of allergy. IgE level and percentage of eosinophils are controversial as the markers of atopy due to the contribution of various non-allergic factors while skin tests correlate well with allergic diseases which were relatively frequent in the examined group.