Immunization and atopy:
possible implications of ethnicity.
von Hertzen LC,
Haahtela T.
Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University
Central Hospital, Finland.
The possible effects of immunization
on subsequent development of asthma and atopy remains a matter of
controversy. Although some studies have suggested that immunization
might increase the risk for atopic disease, a number of studies have
found no association or have even reported a protective effect for
immunization against atopy. Recent studies have provided evidence that
ethnicity might affect the susceptibility to the immunomodulatory
effects of vaccination. In this review the association between
immunization and atopy and the effect of ethnicity on this association
are briefly outlined. The focus will be particularly on BCG
vaccination.