The Added-on of Ziziphus jujube Syrup in the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Resistant to Standard-Dose of Secondary-generation H1 Antihistamine: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Although antihistamines are the first-line treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), 50% of patients don't respond to standard doses. In this study, the effectiveness of Ziziphus jujube fruit syrup in combination with antihistamines was assessed in patients with CSU. Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in Shiraz between December 2019 and December 2020. 64 patients with CSU who had experienced hives for at least six weeks and did not respond to the usual treatments were enrolled in the study. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using permuted block random allocation. For four weeks, the intervention group received 7.5 mL Ziziphus jujube syrup twice a day, while the control group received 7.5 mL simple jujube syrup twice a day. Both groups received cetirizine 10 mg every night. Urticaria activity score (UAS) and CU-Q2oL questionnaires were used to assess urticaria state and sleep quality before and after each week for four consecutive weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups' mean of UAS (P=0.490) and sleep quality (P=0.423). During the follow-up, UAS in the intervention group was significantly lower (P=0.001). Moreover, this difference was significant on the day 28 (P=0.046). During the follow-up, the quality of sleep in both groups improved significantly, and this improvement was more significant in the intervention group. Conclusion: Ziziphus jujube syrup could be an effective adjuvant treatment for CSU.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20190304042916N1.

Evaluation of T Cell Proliferation Using CFSE Dilution Assay: A Comparison between Stimulation with PHA and Anti-CD3/Anti-CD28 Coated Beads.

A decrease in T cell count or reduced T cell function can be indicative of T cell immunodeficiency. In the present study, T-cell function was assessed using Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution test after stimulation with commonly used Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 coated beads in pediatric patients with recurrent infections. Seven infants with recurrent infections and seven sex/age-matched healthy infants were included in this study. A blood cell count, immunophenotyping, and serum immunoglobulin level were performed. The proliferation of T cells was also assessed with CFSE dilution after stimulation with PHA or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 coated beads.  This study showed increased IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in patients compared to the controls. In contrast to the controls, the immunophenotyping results showed a significant decline in the number of CD4+ T cells in patients. Although there was no difference in CD3+ T cell proliferation between patients and controls, the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation rates were significantly decreased in patients when stimulated with PHA. As a mitogen with the potential for maximum proliferation of T cells, PHA is better able to distinguish between patients with recurrent infections and controls than anti-CD3/anti-CD28, which mimics only the TCR pathway for stimulation of T cells.

Quantitative serum determination of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD56 in women with primary infertility: The role of cell-mediated immunity.

Objective: Cellular adaptive immunity plays an essential role in the etiology of primary infertility. This study aimed to measure the T-lymphocyte subpopulations and natural killer (NK) cells in infertile women compared with healthy ones. Materials and Methods: From January to September 2021, we conducted this cross-sectional study among women with primary infertility, and healthy women were referred to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center affiliated with Najafabad University of medical sciences in Isfahan, Iran for immunological investigations. For each person, we determined quantitative serum measurements of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, CD16, CD56, and CD56+16. Results: This study included one hundred and fifty-one infertile women with a mean age of 31.4±4.7 years and 46 healthy women with a mean age of 31.5±3.4 years. Compared to the controls, immunophenotyping findings in infertile patients revealed a significant drop in CD8 T cells [p=0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 4.57] and the percentage of CD 56 NK cells (p=0.005, 95% CI 0.74 to 4.03) in infertile patients. Conclusion: Despite having a normal quantity of CD3 T cells, infertile women had lower CD8 T cells and CD56 NK cells than the controls. More studies are needed to confirm the role of cell-mediated assessments as a screening test in patients with primary infertility.

Epidemiology of Asthma in Patients with COVID-19: Investigation of Respiratory Allergy as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Severity.

Background: The outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is complicated by various comorbidities; asthma, a common chronic disease, may be considered one of these conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of asthma as a potential comorbid condition on the COVID-19 prognosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included all RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded on the Shiraz health department's electronic database from January to May 2020. A questionnaire was designed to collect information about patients' demographics, their history of asthma and other comorbidities, and the severity of COVID-19 by contacting them by phone. Results: Of 3163 COVID-19 patients, 109 (3.4%) had self-reported asthma with a mean age of 42.7 ± 19.1 years. Most patients (98%) had mild-to-moderate asthma, while 2% had severe disease. Among asthmatic patients, fourteen (12.8%) were admitted to the hospital, and five (4.6%) died. Univariate logistic regression results showed that asthma had no significant effect on hospitalization (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.54-1.63) and mortality (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.48-2.94) in patients with COVID-19. Compared living and deceased patients with COVID-19, the pooled OR was 18.2 (95% CI: 7.3-40.1) for cancer, 13.5 (95% CI: 8.2-22.5) for age 40-70 years, 3.1 (95% CI: 2-4.8) for hypertension, 3.1 (95% CI: 1.8-5.3) for cardiac disease and 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.5) for diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: This study showed that asthma is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Further studies are needed to investigate the risk of different asthma phenotypes on the severity of COVID-19 disease.

Epidemiology, Sociodemographic Factors and Comorbidity for Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and Rhinosinusitis Among 15 to 65-year-Old Iranian Patients.

Background: It is well established that upper and lower airways are often clumped together when diagnosing and treating a disease. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of upper and lower airway diseases and to assess the effect of sociodemographic factors on the prevalence and the comorbidity of these disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study included patients with ages ranging between 15 to 65 years, who were referred to allergy outpatient clinics in various provinces of Iran from April to September 2020. A modified global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) screening questionnaire was filled out by local allergists of the 12 selected provinces in Iran. Information about the patients and sociodemographic factors was also recorded. Statistical analysis was done by univariate statistical analyses and multiple logistic regressions in SPSS software Version 26. Results: Out of 4988 recruited patients, 1078 (21.6%) had the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and 285 (5.7%) met the criteria of asthma. The prevalence of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) was 21.6 % and 22%, respectively. The highest prevalence of AR and ARS was in Tehran with the arateof of 33.9% each. Asthma was more prevalent in Khuzestan (14.2%) and CRS in Baluchestan (57.5%). Our analysis showed that the patients with asthma were most likely to have other allergic diseases as well-CRS (OR = 4.8; 95% CI, 2.02- 5.82), AR (OR= 2.5, 95% CI, 2.10-3), ARS (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 2.10-3), followed by eczema (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.13-1.67).We found that those individuals with CRS were most likely to have painkiller hypersensitivity (OR= 2.1; 95% CI, 1.21-3.83). Furthermore, smoking has been found more than 1.5 folds in patients with ARS. After adjusting variables, there was no correlation between education, occupation, and ethnicity with the studied diseases. Conclusion: Rhinosinusitis is a common condition among Iranian patients. This study confirmed that inflammation of the upper and lower airways can occur simultaneously. Gender, education, occupation, and ethnicity were found to be irrelevant in the development of either AR, asthma, ARS, or CRS.

Role of Selenium Deficiency in Pediatrics with Acquired Hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Although selenium is one of the nutrients that has an important role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, it has been investigated in rare studies. This study aimed to evaluate role of selenium deficiency in children and adolescents with acquired hypothyroidism. METHODS: This case and control study was conducted on 60 acquired hypothyroidism and 60 healthy children who had been referred to the pediatrics endocrine clinic in Shiraz, Iran, from November 2018 to April 2019. Some information such as age, gender, weight, height, duration of disease, and level of plasma selenium were recorded. Plasma selenium level was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 21.0. RESULTS: The mean of selenium level in the case and control groups were 93.77 ± 24.90 µg/dl and 85.96 ± 25.20 µg/dl, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean levels of selenium. Independent t-test showed no significant difference in the mean levels of selenium in male and female samples in the case group, but this difference was significant in the control group. CONCLUSION: Selenium deficiency may not have significant role as a cause of acquired hypothyroidism in pediatric and adolescent age group, in south of Iran. Thus, it does not seem necessary to routinely check the level of selenium for patients with thyroid dysfunction.

The Non-Significant Benefit of BCG Vaccination for the Treatment of Iranian Patients with Type 1 Diabetes up to 48 Weeks: A Controversial Result.

Background:There has been considerable interest in target immunotherapy in patients with diabetes. This study was designed to identify the effect of BCG vaccination in the treatment of Iranian patients with longstanding diabetes mellitus type 1. Methods: After approval of the cross-sectional study protocol by the ethics committee under number IRCT2017042919940N2, a total of 19 Iranian volunteers with diabetes mellitus type 1 completed this 48-month study. These patients received three 0.1 ml intradermal injections of BCG vaccination in weeks 0, 4 and 24. The serum level of glucose, HgbA1C and c-peptide was measured before and serially after the interventions. Insulin requirements were recorded for each patient in different weeks as the mean and standard deviation. Results: This study showed a decrease in the blood sugar level of 171.15±75.54 mg/dL in baseline to 133.77±76.97 mg/dL in 12 weeks after the first dose of BCG vaccination in these patients. There was no significant change in the mean± SD of serum blood sugar, HgbA1C and c-peptide after BCG vaccination in the baseline and week 48. Conclusion: Our results showed that small doses of BCG vaccination were not effective in long-term treatment of Iranian patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 up to 48 weeks.

Positive tendency toward synchronous use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen in treating patients with patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus often fails to occur in premature newborns and this condition can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The initial treatment to achieve closure of the opening is pharmacological, and various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used. The aim of this study was to determine whether combining acetaminophen with ibuprofen is more effective than the individual use of these drugs to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). METHODS: The present randomized, controlled trial study included 154 premature newborns with PDA. The patients were randomized into 3 groups: the acetaminophen group (n=67), ibuprofen group (n=68), and combination drug group (n=19). Echocardiography was performed before initiating the medication and after completing a first and second course of treatment. Blood markers were measured to assess the safety of the 3 types of therapy. RESULTS: After the first course of treatment, PDA closure was seen in 76.1% of the infants in the acetaminophen group, 76.4% of those in the ibuprofen group, and 78.9% of the combination therapy group (p=0.97). The closure rate after a second course of treatment was 43.7% in the acetaminophen group, 62.5% in the ibuprofen group, and 100% in the combination group. There were no complications attributed to the 3 methods of treatment used. CONCLUSION: Concomitant use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be an effective option for closure of PDA. Other studies with a larger sample size are recommended in order to confirm these results.

Heavy metal concentration in classroom dust samples and its relationship with childhood asthma: a study from Islamic Republic of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Classrooms are an important environment for young children as this is where they spend a large part of their time. AIMS: This study was designed to quantify the levels of heavy metals in classroom dusts in Shiraz, a city southwestern Iran. The potential association between heavy metal levels and childhood asthma was also investigated. METHODS: We selected 32 schools for collecting classroom dust samples during September-November 2016. The concentration of 10 heavy metals was measured in these dust samples by optical emission spectrometry. The diagnosis of childhood asthma was made using both the medical chart of each student and examination by an allergist. The data were analysed using SPSS, version 21.0. RESULTS: The concentration of heavy metals in classroom dust samples ranged from 7559 to 53 723.0 mg/kg (mean: 16 945.5 mg/kg) for Fe, 169.0 to 952.0 mg/kg (mean 288.9 mg/kg) for Mn, and 9.0 to 971.0 mg/kg (mean 258.8 mg/kg) for Pb. We found no correlation between heavy metals in classroom dust and childhood asthma. CONCLUSION: In comparison with studies reported elsewhere, the maximum levels of lead in our study were greater. A potential explanation for the lack of correlation with childhood asthma is the large mass of the particles, preventing them from reaching the lower airways. Nevertheless, special attention should be paid to reducing high levels of heavy metals in classroom dust in this area.

The frequency of cross-reactivity with various avian eggs among children with hen's egg allergy using skin prick test RESULTS: fewer sensitizations with pigeon and goose egg

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A high rate of cross-reactivity has been reported between the specific proteins of hen's egg with proteins of various avian eggs by quantitative immunoelectrophoretic techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical cross-reactivity of different birds' eggs in children with hen's egg allergy based on skin prick test results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 52 infants with hen's egg allergy and 52 healthy infants with no history of food allergy from October 2018 to April 2019. Skin prick tests were performed in both patient and control groups with fresh extract of white and yolk related to pigeon, duck, goose, turkey, quail, and partridge. RESULTS: Fifty (96.1%) children with hen's egg allergy showed positive sensitization to at least one of the avian eggs. The most frequent positive skin tests were related to quail's white (36 = 69.2%) followed by duck's white (34 = 65.5%), and sensitization was the least frequent in pigeon's yolk (23 = 44.2%). Skin tests of the control group were negative to all the tested extracts. CONCLUSIÓN: Because of fewer sensitizations to some avian eggs, further research should clarify starting oral immunotherapy with the yolk of goose and pigeon in children with hen's egg allergy

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The frequency of cross-reactivity with various avian eggs among children with hen's egg allergy using skin prick test results: fewer sensitizations with pigeon and goose egg.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A high rate of cross-reactivity has been reported between the specific proteins of hen's egg with proteins of various avian eggs by quantitative immunoelectrophoretic techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical cross-reactivity of different birds' eggs in children with hen's egg allergy based on skin prick test results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 52 infants with hen's egg allergy and 52 healthy infants with no history of food allergy from October 2018 to April 2019. Skin prick tests were performed in both patient and control groups with fresh extract of white and yolk related to pigeon, duck, goose, turkey, quail, and partridge. RESULTS: Fifty (96.1%) children with hen's egg allergy showed positive sensitization to at least one of the avian eggs. The most frequent positive skin tests were related to quail's white (36 = 69.2%) followed by duck's white (34 = 65.5%), and sensitization was the least frequent in pigeon's yolk (23 = 44.2%). Skin tests of the control group were negative to all the tested extracts. CONCLUSION: Because of fewer sensitizations to some avian eggs, further research should clarify starting oral immunotherapy with the yolk of goose and pigeon in children with hen's egg allergy.

Awareness of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis as an Unusual Cause of Liver Failure in the Neonatal Period.

BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome that predominantly affects infants from birth to 18 months of age, characterized by fever and multiorgan failure. Liver injury has been rarely reported as a presenting sign in the neonatal period. This study reports a case with HLH in the neonatal period who presented with acute liver failure. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, a 3-day-old female newborn was admitted with cytopenia, increased liver enzymes, hypofibrinogenemia, and markedly elevated serum ferritin. Hemophagocytosis of bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HLH. The newborn was treated with HLH-2004 protocol, but she finally died from multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: Growing awareness of HLH as a cause of liver failure in the neonatal period can be associated with early treatment and reduces mortality in this group of patients.

The Safety of Schools Based on Heavy Metal Concentrations in Classrooms' Dust: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Classroom is where children spend much of their time in; this study aimed to identify the concentration of heavy metals in the classroom dust based on the results of various studies in the world using the published data up to years 2018. METHODS: Fifteen studies were selected for the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean concentration of 11 heavy metals including arsenic, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc was extracted. RESULTS: The highest mean concentration of heavy metal (mg/kg) in classroom dust was related to iron (3904.7, 95%CI: 3657.1-8154.3), zinc (429.9, 95%CI: 182.8-677.1) and barium (419.2, 95%CI: 274.7-253.7), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed the maximum concentration (mg/kg) of iron in Iran (16945.5), zinc in Hong Kong (2293.5), barium in China (979.8), manganese in Iran (288.9), lead in Iran (258.8), chromium in Ghana (381.3), copper in Hong Kong (274.4), nickel in Iran (50.1), cobalt in China(43.4), arsenic in China(13.7) and cadmium in Hong Kong(8.7). CONCLUSION: Even safe and healthy classrooms can threaten children's health by heavy metals. These metals are important since they are naturally found throughout the earth's crust, accumulate in the food chain and contaminate drinking water as well as alloys in school equipment.

Congenital Hypothyroidism in Preterm Newborns: A Retrospective Study Arising from a Screening Program in Fars Province, Southwestern Iran.

OBJECTIVES: There is a high interest in the early diagnosis of hypothyroidism in preterm newborns for preventing any intellectual disability. Our study sought to determine the incidence of abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) between three and six days old and in weeks two, six, 10, and 12 after birth to evaluate the validity of repeating the test in premature infants. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 320 886 live births in Fars province, Southwestern Iran, from March 2014 to October 2017. TSH levels in premature infants were measured by heel prick test, and the data was collected from the central newborn screening center of Fars province. RESULTS: The number of premature newborns was 15 381, and the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 2.3%. Among 355 premature newborns with high TSH, 31.3% was detected in three to six days of life, 43.9% in the second week, 14.4% in the sixth week, 9.9% in the tenth week, and 0.6% in the twelfth week as hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that thyroid screening of preterm infants needs retesting in two, six, and 10 weeks after to detect cases in newborns who would not otherwise be identified.

Immunoglobulin G4 deficiency can be a new entity for primary recurrent miscarriage: Successful pregnancy in two cases after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Recurrent miscarriage is one of the complications of pregnancy in which the potential role of immunologic factors has already been mentioned. Here, two young women with recurrent miscarriage were consulted in the infertility center. The diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) deficiency was made through the reduction of IgG4 Ig levels and normal total IgG titer. Considering this abnormality, intravenous Ig 200 mg/kg was started monthly, and they both had successful pregnancies. Little is known about IgG4 deficiency in women with recurrent miscarriage. IgG4 deficiency should be taken into account in these patients. It is expected that these results will shed further light on the feasibility of intravenous Ig for women with recurrent miscarriage.

Lack of relationship between cord blood erythropoietin and intraventricular hemorrhage in premature neonates: a controversial result.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) as well as the role of cord blood erythropoietin (EPO) level in predicting the possibility of IVH in premature neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 140 preterm neonates born at hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from May 2014 to April 2015. Complete blood count and cord blood EPO level was measured after birth. Brain ultrasonography was performed at 3 and 7-10 days after birth in these newborns. RESULTS: Brain ultrasonography showed IVH in 8.57% (12/140) until the third day and 20% (28/140) at 7-10 days of life in premature neonates. Early gestational age, low birth weight, low Apgar score, and failure to give prenatal steroid were significant risk factors for developing IVH. The mean level of cord blood EPO was 20.95 ± 21.09 mIU/mL in premature newborns without IVH and 15.82 ± 17.11 mIU/mL with IVH. There was no correlation between the cord blood EPO and IVH in premature newborns. CONCLUSION: Antenatal steroids therapy should be encouraged among women at risk of premature delivery. Our results showed that the cord blood EPO was not correlated with IVH in preterm neonates and further research is required to assess this relationship.

ADAM33 gene polymorphisms in Southwestern Iranian patients with asthma.

OBJECTIVES: Asthma, the most frequent chronic respiratory disease, results from a complex interaction between multiple genes and environmental factors. To date, more than 100 candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported to be associated with asthma. One of the discovered genes related to asthma is ADAM33. However, the relationship between ADAM33 gene polymorphisms and asthma is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between four ADAM33 gene SNPs and susceptibility to asthma in patients from southwestern Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ADAM33 gene polymorphisms at positions T+1 (rs2280091), T1 (rs3918396), S1 (rs2280089), and F+1 (rs511898) were examined in 150 patients with asthma and 149 age- and sex-matched healthy controls with a PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: There were no differences between patients and controls in allelic or genotype frequencies of ADAM33 SNPs. We found no associations between allelic or genotype distribution of the SNPs and spirometry indices, concomitant involvement of other allergic diseases, or exposure to cigarette smoke. In contrast to H4 haplotype, which appeared to be protective against asthma, inheritance of H2 and H3 haplotypes increased the risk of asthma up to 2-3 folds. CONCLUSION: ADAM33 gene polymorphisms appear to play a partial role in asthma susceptibility, investigation of expression changes in this gene in response to environmental factors or the local formation of a soluble form of the molecule in the lung can be helpful to elucidate the impact of this molecule in the induction of asthma.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillus sensitization (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can occur as a cause of permanent lung damage in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of AS and ABPA in patients with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis in southwestern Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 33 patients with CF and 27 patients with non-CF bronchiectasis from southwestern Iran who were referred to Namazi Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from July 2015 to February 2016. Skin prick test to Aspergillus fumigatus, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total serum IgE, specific IgE and IgG against Aspergillus fumigatus as well as radiologic chest studies were done for each patient. Statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher Exact test, and Kappa weighted in SPSS software version 18. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Nine patients with CF (27.3%) and one patient with non-CF bronchiectasis (3.7%) had positive skin tests to Aspergillus. There was 81.2% agreement between positive skin test and specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus (p<0.001). Three patients with CF (9%) met the diagnostic criteria for ABPA, whereas ABPA was not seen in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION: ABPA was low in this study, considering more frequency of AS in patients with cystic fibrosis, clinicians should keep in mind the diagnosis of ABPA for those CF patients that do not respond to usual medical therapy and have positive skin tests to Aspergillus allergens.

Decreased Sensitization to Aeroallergens among Southwestern Iranian Male Farmers.

Farmers are usually exposed to various inhaled allergens like pollens, mites, molds, and animal dander in their working environment which may lead to allergic rhinitis, asthma and urticaria. The purpose of this study was to identify sensitization to various aeroallergens in farmers and their occupational allergy symptoms. This cross sectional study included 103 male farmers and 100 non-farmer healthy controls. The work-related symptoms of farmers were recorded with a questionnaire. Spirometry and skin prick tests with 15 commercial allergen extracts were performed in both farmers and controls. The rate of sensitization to at least one of the applied aeroallergens was 47.6% in farmers compared to 65% in the control group (OR=0.48; CI 95%, 1.08 to 2.07) according to skin prick tests, after adjusting for age. Occupational allergy symptoms were reported by 54.3% farmers. Mean FEV1/FVC was significantly lower in farmers than in controls (p<0.001). The results of this study showed that farmers had no increased risk of sensitization to aeroallergens. Sensitization to pollens was more prevalent than to mites among the farmers in our study and smoking was an important predisposing factor in farmers who suffered from occupational allergy symptoms.