The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin test sensitization to different allergens within the bakery-pastry personnel in Casablanca. This transversal study, which took place in 1999, included 200 cases from 25 bakeries-pastries. Prick tests were carried out and interpreted in compliance with the standard methods regarding 29 allergens: current pneumallergens, storage Dermatophagoides, mould, egg, flour and five cereals (Stallergènes, Paris). Two groups were individualised: group ED (individuals directly exposed to flour: bakers and pastry cooks) and group EI (individuals indirectly exposed to flour: sellers, dealers, assistants, messengers, housekeepers). The collection and statistic exploitation of data were done on Epi Info software. The prick tests were positive in 28.5% (57 cases): 37.9% in the ED group and 13.2% in the EI group (P = 0.0003). The rate of positive prick tests to Dermatophagoides, storage mites, flour/cereal, mould, Germanic cockroach, cat, egg and grass pollen were 17.5, 11.5, 9.5, 8.5, 4, 2, 1.5 and 0% respectively. The prevalence of positive prick tests to flour and cereal represented 14.5% in the ED group and 1.3% in the EI group (P = 0.004). It did not vary significantly with age. It represented 11.4% in men and 0% in women (P = 0.04). Generally and in the ED group, the prevalence of positive prick tests was higher when familial atopy was present. It represented 42.9% when asthma was present versus 7% in its absence (P = 0.0006), 20.3% in case of rhinitis versus 5% in its absence (P = 0.001), and 23.1% in case of conjunctivitis versus 4.7% in its absence (P = 0.003). The prevalence of positive prick tests was 7.5% in the case of lodging in traditional houses and 25% in the bakeries (P = 0.02). To conclude, the rate of sensitization to allergens within bakeries remains very high, notably in bakers and pastry cooks, who are most exposed to allergens.
