Sensitization to Inhaled Allergens in Atopic Children in Jordan Capital, Amman: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: As the prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing all over the world, it is vital to identify the specific allergens, which contribute to the development and persistence of such conditions. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization and, to evaluate the profile of skin prick test among atopic Jordanian children who are visiting Jordan University Hospital (JUH). Methods: A retrospective analysis of all Skin Prick Test (SPT) and results of atopic children and adolescents aged (1.5-18 years) who visited the pediatrics clinics at JUH from January 2018 until December 2019. Results: Over two years, a total of 171 children (male: female ratio of 1.9) with a median age of 6.2 years (1.5-18) were subjected to SPT. One hundred and seven children (62.5%) were found to be sensitized to at least one of the ten aeroallergen extracts tested. The most common sensitizations were to olive pollen (45.6%), Mites Dermatophagoides Petronyssinus (42.0%), and Dog Dander (38.6%). The highest sensitization rate was among the age group 2-4 years (28.1%). The sensitization rates increased in conjunction with an increase in age in the first age groups (preschool and school-age groups). Conclusion: The study’s findings provide an understanding of the locally prevalent aeroallergens, yet a multi-center review would be more useful for creating an optimized SPT panel specific to the Jordanian pediatric population.