Prevalence of aspergillus skin hypersensitivity in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic allergen specific, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity disorder which significantly impairs the quality of life in affected patients. Many aeroallergens and molds are responsible for AR. This study was conducted to find prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus skin hypersensitivity in patients of AR by skin prick test (SPT). 150 clinically diagnosed AR patients visiting our OPD were enrolled. Skin hypersensitivity for A. fumigatus was done by SPT in all the enrolled patients. Chi square test and Student's t-test were applied for statistical analysis. Out of 150 patients, 60 (40%) were positive for Aspergillus fumigatus SPT. Majority of the positive patients had persistent AR and among those 39/60 (65%) had moderate to severe persistent AR and 12/60 (20%) had mild persistent AR. Our study concluded that there is high (40%) prevalence of A. fumigatus skin hypersensitivity among AR patients. The hypersensitivity to A. fumigatus was found more in severe AR patients and it was statistically significant.