Surveillance for atopic sensitization in infants and young children by skin prick test

Abstract

Rationale Skin prick test (SPT) is considered to be the simple and sensitive method for detecting atopic sensitization in children. Factors that influence atopic sensitization in people from different ethnicity may vary. We performed SPT to study the prevalence of atopic sensitization, and the effect of atopic family history and environmental factors on prevalence of atopic sensitization and atopic manifestation in Thai children. Methods After obtaining the informations on atopic history and atopic manifestation, SPT with 10 common standardized allergens was performed in infants and children from well baby clinic, age range from 6 months to 3 years. Results Two hundred subjects were studied. Atopic family history was presented in 54.9% and atopic manifestation in 31.9% of subjects. Overall prevalence of atopic sensitization was 37.2%. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) were found to be the most prevalent allergens eliciting positive SPT (15%). The most prevalent allergen sensitization in subjects age 6-12 months, 1-2 years and 2-3 years were egg (15%), Der p (10.5%) and Der f (37.1%) respectively. Interestingly there was no significant effect of atopic family history on atopic sensitization or atopic manifestation. Day care attendance was significantly associated with increase risk of sensitization to Der f ( P<0.005). Conclusions From our study atopic sensitization was associated with day care attendance but not atopic family history. Different factors may influence atopic sensitization in different parts of the world.