Possible explanations for these differences would be: 1) young students compared to a patient population, 2) high proportion of low IgE levels (CAP class 1 – 3) in our study group, 3) interference of symptoms with other respiratory allergies (e.g., mites), and additionally 4) unconscious suppression of symptoms due to affection for animals. The gene discussed is IGHE; the disease is allergic respiratory disease.