STUDIES ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SARCOIDOSIS IN THE UNITED STATES: THE RELATIONSHIP TO SOIL AREAS AND TO URBAN-RURAL RESIDENCE

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An epidemiologic analysis of 297 cases of sarcoidosis occurring among American military personnel during world war II has resulted in the following observations: The attack rate in Negroes exceeded that in whites by a ratio of 17/1. The birthplaces of the majority of these patients were in the southeastern United States. Furthermore, the disease predominated in those with rural residences as compared to those with more urban residences. The geographical distribution of birthplace was correlated, to a high degree, with the region of the United States below the fall line. Within this area the birthplace appeared to be grouped within certain soil groups. The possible implications of these findings are discussed.