Sensitization to aeroallergens in an atopic population of Algiers (Algeria)

Abstract

Aeroallergen sensitization is increasing worldwide. The optimal management of allergic disease requires the identification of the allergic sensitivities of the patient. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of specific IgE reactivity of patients with clinically suspected allergic diseases seeking medical care in Algiers. The prevalence of 29 aeroallergens’ sensitization was investigated by using in vitro test Allergy screen, for 1461 patients diagnostics allergic at Mustapha Pasha Hospital in Algiers (Algeria), from the period between January 2016 and June 2019. Patients were categorized according to the demographic and clinical aspects. Statistical tests were applied to differentiate between age, gender, season of maximum attack and the polysensitization. The prevalence of sIgE was 55% (807/1461). The age groups of 16–40 years and ≤ 16 were more sensitized than that of ≥ 40 years. House dust mites, namely Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, elicited most prevalent sIgE results (29.22% (427) and 25.05% (366), respectively), followed by Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum (17.72% (259) and 12.93% (189), respectively). Allergic rhinitis, urticaria, conjunctivitis and asthma were recorded as the common symptoms. Moreover, a significant correlation has been found in patients with polysensitization, especially between dust mites and molds. Following the increasing trend, house dust mite sensitization still held the dominance like in any other Mediterranean population reported earlier. Determining the allergic profile in this region will facilitate early diagnosis, management and prevention of allergic diseases.