OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of genetic factors on the occurrence of allergic rhinitis (AR).

METHODSThe morbidity rate of AR was surveyed by multistage sampling among 95 300 individuals (23,825 families) in Natong region, Jiangsu province. And a genetic epidemiologic investigation on AR was carried out to estimate the segregation ratio and heritability (h2) of AR by the methods of Li-Mantel-Gart and Falconer respectively.

RESULTSThe morbidity rate of AR in Natong region was 1.20% (Male 1.21%, Female 1.18%, no statistical significance between them); By the data of the AR ancestry, the segregation ratio of AR in Nantong region was 0.078, significantly less than 0.25, and the genetic model belonged to polygenetics. The 1st, the 2nd, and the 3rd generation h2 of AR were (82.6 +/- 2.19)%, (80.8 +/- 2.93)%, (78.4 +/- 7.04)%. The h2 of AR was (81.86 +/- 1.70)%. In the ancestry of AR, the morbidity rate of the 1st generation with AR was 12.11%; the 2nd generation with AR was 5.12%; the 3rd generation with AR was 2.75%; and the morbidity rate of AR in general population was 1.20%.

CONCLUSIONSThe heredity in family with AR is obvious. Several genes plus the environmental factors may cause AR, which accords with the characteristics of the polygene heredity disease.