Abstract
Purpose:Identifying the distribution of allergens is valuable to the effective diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. So, our aim is to explore the sensitization of food and aeroallergens in Egyptian patients with atopic asthma.Methods:Cross-sectional study recruited 268 Egyptian patients with atopic asthma. Asthmatic patients were assessed by the enzyme allegro sorbent test (EAST) method for specific IgE to a panel of 19 common regional inhaled allergens and 15 food allergens.Results and Discussion:One hundred percent of the patients were sensitive to at least one allergen. Allergy to food allergens only was 2.9%; inhaled allergens only were 26.2% and both were70.9%. Fungi (62%) were the most frequent sensitizing aeroallergen amongst our asthmatic patients, followed by the pollen allergens (42.5%) and house dust mites (HDMs) (26%). Cows’ milk (30.5%) was the most frequent sensitizing food amongst our asthmatic patients, followed by eggs (22.4%) and fish (21.6%). Mono-sensitized patients accounted for 6.7% of all cases, while polysensitized was 93.3%. Moderate and severe asthma showed a significantly higher frequency of polysensitization compared to mild asthma.Conclusion:Fungi and cow's milk are the chief sensitizing allergens in Egyptian patients with atopic asthma. This study represents the first report of sensitization in atopic adult asthma using a large extract panel in Upper Egypt.
Highlights
Atopic asthma is an anIgE-mediated disease caused by pathological hyperresponsiveness by host immune systems to foreign allergens [1]
One hundred percent of the patients were sensitive to at least one allergen. 2.9% of patients had positive test results for only food allergens, 26.2% of patients for only inhalant allergens and 70.9% of patients for both inhalant and food allergen (Fig. 1). 6.7% were positive for one aeroallergen, 41% were positive for two allergens, 41.7% were positive for three allergens, 10.4% were positive for four allergens and 7.4% were positive for ≥ 5 allergens
We studied 34 common sensitizing inhalants and food allergens using Specific IgE assay in sera from 268 atopic asthma
Summary
Atopic asthma is an anIgE-mediated disease caused by pathological hyperresponsiveness by host immune systems to foreign allergens [1]. Allergens are antigens that induce and react with specific immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies. Food and inhaled allergies are induced and regulated by IgE and can be present in children and adults [2]. Depending on the considerable variety of geographic location, climates, food habits and lifestyles, the types of allergens vary widely from region to region [3]. Differences in the age of the patients can produce different sensitive allergens [4, 5]. Many in vitro and in vivo laboratory tests are used for the diagnosis of allergic diseases.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
