Abstract
Various allergens are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in different regions. This study attempted to identify the most common allergens among patients with allergies based on the results of skin prick tests in different parts of Iran. Relevant studies conducted from 2000 to 2016 were identified from the MEDLINE database. Six common groups of allergen types, including animal, cockroach, food, fungus, house dust mite, and pollen were considered. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each type of allergen. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. We included 44 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of positive skin test results for at least one allergen was estimated to be 59% in patients with allergies in various parts of Iran. The number of patients was 11,646 (56% male and 44% female), with a mean age of 17.46±11.12 years. The most common allergen sources were pollen (47.0%), mites (35.2%), and food (15.3%). The prevalence of sensitization to food and cockroach allergens among children was greater than among adults. Pollen is the most common allergen sensitization in cities of Iran with a warm and dry climate; however, sensitization to house dust mites is predominant in northern and southern coastal areas of Iran.
Highlights
The term ‘allergen’ is used to describe any substance capable of stimulating production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a genetically predisposed individual [1]
The most clinically important allergens are those related to animals, cockroaches, house dust mites (HDMs), foods, fungi, pollens, latex, and venom
We estimated the prevalence of six common types of allergens, including those of animals, cockroaches, foods, fungi, HDMs, and pollens in patients with allergies in major cities of Iran
Summary
The term ‘allergen’ is used to describe any substance capable of stimulating production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a genetically predisposed individual [1]. The most clinically important allergens are those related to animals, cockroaches, house dust mites (HDMs), foods, fungi, pollens, latex, and venom. Sensitization to cockroa ches is among the most common factors contributing to increased asthma morbidity. It appears that genetic background may play a role in susceptibility to cockroach allergens [8,9]. HDMs are an important factor that may exacerbate different types of allergic diseases in predisposed individuals. These small arthropods live in close contact with humans and are found in large numbers in beds, sofas, carpets, and furniture. Allergies to various fruits and vegetables have been
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