Sensitization patterns in immunoglobulin e-mediated allergic diseases by skin prick testing using standardized allergens: A study from tertiary care allergy center

Abstract

Aim and objective: To assess the sensitization patterns using standardized allergens in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases by skin prick testing. Materials and methods: This observational study was conducted in Chennai over a period of 1 year. Six hundred and three patients aged ≥6 months of either gender with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled after taking written informed consent. Analysis of sensitization patterns with different standardized allergen extracts and their association with age groups were performed with SPSS v 25.0 (IBM, New York, USA). Results: Out of 603 cases, male were predominant (M:F = 1.8:1), with mean age of study population was 16.5 (13.2) years. There was no significant difference in polysensitization rates between under and above 18 years of age (p > 0.05). Out of 50 standardized allergens tested, the 5 most commonly sensitized were Blomia tropicalis (66.4%), D. pteronyssinus (63.6%), D. farinae (63.0%), American cockroach (54.1%), and Acarus siro (48.8%). There was a statistically significant difference observed in the odds of sensitization between <18 years and >18 years of age groups for the following antigens—grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, molds, animal epithelia, and insects (p < 0.05). However, no such association was found among mites and food (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Majority of patients were polysensitized, with a high sensitization rate to house dust mite (HDM), predominantly B. tropicalis. There was also a higher rate of sensitizations to grass pollens than previous studies. Clinical significance: Our study shows higher sensitization rates to HDMs, especially B. tropicalis, storage mites, and grass pollens. Standardized allergen extract use might improve the accuracy of sensitization patterns in the community.