Asthma, IgE and environment in northern Nigeria

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Abstract
[Human] asthmatics (64) and control subjects (75) from rural villages and various urban settings were investigated. Rural asthmatics had a significantly higher Ig[immunoglobulin]E level than urban asthmatics and village controls. Urban asthmatics had similar IgE levels to urban controls. There was no relationship between IgE levels and results of skin tests for asthma allergens. Stool parasites were found as frequently in asthmatics as in controls. Parasitic infestation, high IgE levels or rural living may not protect from asthma.