Abstract

URREGO ALVAREZ, Juan R; HERNANDEZ BONFANTE, Luz del C  and  MARRUGO CANO, Javier. Epidemiological factors in food allergy immunopathogenesis. Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2009, vol.25, n.2, pp.258-279. ISSN 0120-5552.

Food allergy (FA) is an important health problem in developed countries. In these countries the prevalence ranging between 6 to 8% in children and about 3% in adults. A recent metaanalysis showed a marked heterogeneity in the prevalence of food allergy that could be a result of differences in study design, methodology, or differences between populations. In addition, there are very few studies to reveal the true dimension of the problem in developing countries. In these countries the few existing studies were conducted with questionnaires and without confirmation of the diagnoses with objective test. In general the symptoms of food allergy occurs more frequently in the early stages of life and are almost always triggered by a limited number of food, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, etc. Recently, several animal models have been developed and they have facilitated the understanding of some of the immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in this disease. In various epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that some genetic and environmental factors (Nutritional, microbial, pharmacological and pollutants) could play an important role in the epidemiology and the pathogenesis of FA.

Keywords : Adjuvants; animal models; food allergy; immunophatogenesis; prevalence; risk factors.

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