Epidemiologic and socioeconomic aspects of allergic diseases.

It is evident that asthma and the other allergic diseases constitute a health problem of international scope. There is a need for well-designed, large-scale, prospective epidemiologic studies designed to define precisely the magnitude of the worldwide problem created by allergic disorders. Most studies to date have been small and have involved special groups rather than the entire population.

The atopic dog model: report of an attempt to establish a colony.

In an attempt to establish a colony of atopic dogs as a research resource, dogs with seasonal dermatitis - a reported manifestation of naturally occurring allergy in that species - were identified, acquired, and inbred. Progeny were studied during their first 2 years of life to determine if the trait could be genetically transmitted and to investigate the hypothesis that this spontaneously occurring dermatitis correlates with positive laboratory measurements for specific IgE to airborne allergens. (Serial immunoglobulin levels, including total IgE, end-point titration of histamine, and results of fecal examinations for identification of parasites were also investigated and are to be the subject of a separate publication.