Aeroallergens In Patients Research Articles

The Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Molecular Sensitization Profile of Allergic Rhinitis Patients in Central China.

Background House dust mites (HDMs) are the major aeroallergens in patients with rhinitis and/or asthma in China. However, the molecular sensitization of HDM is varied in different regions. Objective To investigate the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Der p) molecular sensitization profile of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients in Central China. Methods AR patients with positive skin prick tests to Der p were enrolled in our study. Specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) for Der p, Dermatophagoides farinae ( Der f), Acarus siro ( Aca s), Blomia tropicalis ( Blo t), and Der p components Der p1, Der p2, and Der p10 were measured in all patients. Results A total of 130 patients were included. The overall prevalence of positive serum sIgE was 99.2% for Der p, 98.5% for Der f, 81.5% for Aca s, 83.1% for Blo t, 71.5% for Der p1, 64.6% for Der p2, and 11.5% for Der p10. HDM-AR patients with asthma displayed significantly higher concentrations of sIgE to Der p, Der f, Der p1, and Der p2 than did those without asthma ( P < .001). The prevalence of asthma in HDM-AR patients was higher among the patients sensitized to both Der p1 and Der p2 (62.8%) than those sensitized to only 1 allergen ( Der p1 26.7% or Der p2 16.7%; P < .05) or nonsensitized to Der p1 and Der p2 (19.4%; P < .001). Conclusion Der p has high cross-reactivity with other mite species. Der p1 and Der p2 are the major components to induce Der p sensitization among AR patients in Central China. Sensitization to both Der p1 and Der p2 may be a risk factor for developing asthma in HDM-AR patients.

Prevalence of aeroallergens in patients of bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in India based on skin prick test reactivity

Background: Exposures to various aeroallergens play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR). On the basis of climate change, the prevalence of aeroallergens may vary in different regions. AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the sensitivity to aeroallergens among patients with BA and/or AR based on skin prick test (SPT) reactivity in India. Settings And Design: This study was conducted at National Centre of Respiratory Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and Department of Respiratory Allergy and Applied Immunology, (Department of Respiratory Medicine), Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 (India). Subjects And Methods: A total of 4835 patients were screened from the Outpatient Department of institute during the period of August 2008 to July 2016. Out of 4835 patients, 4263 patients were performed SPT consisting of 2361 (55.38%) males and 1902 (44.62%) females, with a mean age of 30.06 years were included in the study. Diagnosis of BA and AR was made according to the GINA and ARIA guidelines, respectively. SPT was done with 58 different types of aeroallergens, which included grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, dust, fungi, insects, kapok cotton, wool, and silk antigens. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was done using Excel 2007. Results: Significant skin positive reaction (2 + and above) against aeroallergens were found in 1993 (46.77%) participants including 422 (9.9%) BA patients, 570 (13.37%) AR patients, and 1001 (23.48%) of both BA/AR. The younger adults aged 20–29 years were the foremost commonly affected group with 626 (14.68%) significant skin-positive patients. Among individual allergens, most common aeroallergen was mosquito (30.89%) and least common was Ehretia (0.37%). Conclusions: In different states of India, the mosquito was found the most common sensitizing allergen in BA and/or AR patients. Sensitization was the most common in the younger age group (20–29 years) patients.

Polysensitization to Aeroallergens in Patients with Nasobronchial Allergy in Kashmir Valley

Polysensitization to Aeroallergens in Patients with Nasobronchial Allergy in Kashmir Valley

Prevalence and trends of sensitisation to aeroallergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Guangzhou, China: a 10-year retrospective study

目的 了解广州地区变应性鼻炎（AR）门诊患者中常见吸入性变应原阳性率及观察过去10年的变化趋势。 设计 回顾性分析；线性趋势检验和简单线性回归分析吸入性变应原阳性率的变化趋势。 研究设置 中国广州一家三级医疗机构。 研究对象 2005年1月至2014年12月期间来耳鼻喉科门诊就诊的鼻高反应症状患者有5 486例（男性2 997例，女性2 489例），所有患者均已接受血清变应原特异性免疫球蛋白E（sIgE）检查。其中有4 085例患者（男性2 269例，女性1 816例）诊断为AR。 主要结局测量 各种常见吸入性变应原的阳性率及10年变化趋势。 结果 AR患者中各种常见吸入性变应原的sIgE阳性率依次是：屋尘螨（HDMs）84.4%，宠物变应原组合23.4%，蟑螂21.1%，霉菌组合9.1%，树木花粉组合7.7%，草本花粉组合6.0%。鼻高反应症状患者中随着年龄增长10岁，变应原sIgE阳性率下降5.13%[95%可信区间（CI）：-7.28%~-2.98%，P<0.01]。过去10年AR患者的宠物变应原组合阳性率逐年上升1.3%（95%CI：0.85%~1.67%，P<0.01）。 结论 HDMs是广州地区最常见的吸入性变应原，变应原阳性率随年龄增加而逐渐下降。过去10年中宠物过敏情况呈上升趋势，应加强对宠物变应原预防及治疗的重视。

Prevalence and trends of sensitisation to aeroallergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Guangzhou, China: a 10-year retrospective study

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and trends of sensitisation to common aeroallergens among outpatients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Guangzhou, China, over the past decade.DesignA retrospective study; linear-by-linear association and simple...

Molecular-based diagnosis of respiratory allergic diseases in children from Curitiba, a city in Southern Brazil

BackgroundPrevalence of respiratory allergic diseases has increased worldwide. Identification of the aeroallergens involved in allergenic sensitisation is important for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. ObjectiveTo verify the molecular pattern of sensitisation to aeroallergens in patients with allergic respiratory diseases using microarray technique for specific IgE antibody detection. MethodsCross-sectional study of 101 children with allergic rhinitis was followed in an outpatient clinic. All patients had positive skin prick tests (SPT) to at least one of the following antigens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis, Blattella germanica, Lolium multiflorum, and dog and cat epithelium. Serum specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to mites, animal epithelia, fungi, cockroach and pollens components were determined by ImmunoCAP ISAC. ResultssIgE to group 1 and 2 mite allergens showed higher positive rates: Der p 1 (74.2%), Der p 2 (73.3%), Der f 1 (74.2%), Der f 2 (72.3%). sIgE to animal epithelia were less frequent, Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3 in 4.9%, 2.9%, 1.9% respectively and Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4 in 16.8%, 0.9% and 1.9%. respectively. Sensitisation to fungi and cockroach were rare, except for Bla g 7, to which 16.8% were positive. There was no significant recognition for tree pollens group. For grass, sIgE were detected to Cyn d 1 in 16.8%, Phl p 1 and Phl p 4 in 14.8% and 12.9%, respectively. ConclusionKnowing that the pattern of allergic sensitisation varies according to environment and population, our results reinforce the need for local studies, using molecular-based diagnosis.

Local allergic rhinitis in elderly patients

BackgroundLocal allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by the production of specific IgE in the nasal mucosa and a positive response to a nasal provocation test in the absence of atopy by conventional measurements. There is no information about LAR in elderly people, just as there is little information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in this age group. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of LAR, AR, and non-AR in elderly patients with rhinitis. MethodsIn 219 patients with a mean (SD) age of 65.81 (5.88), skin prick tests, serum total specific IgE, and nasal provocation tests against common aeroallergens were performed. In addition, nasal specific IgE was measured in the nasal lavage at baseline and after provocation. For monitoring nasal symptoms, a visual analog scale was used. ResultsOf the 219 patients, 46 (21.0%) had LAR, 88 (40.2%) had AR, and 85 (38.8%) were diagnosed as having non-AR. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the main sensitizing aeroallergen in patients with LAR (29 patients [63.0%]) and with AR (48 patients [56.4%]). No significant differences were found between the visual analog scale score and the type of AR (local or nonlocal) and the types of allergens. Clinical responses during the nasal provocation test were associated with significant increases in nasal IgE (Spearman correlation test, R = 0.89, P < .05). Polysensitization was more predominant in patients with AR than in those with LAR (P < .05). ConclusionThe results indicate that LAR and AR are common in elderly patients. However, in this age group, these conditions are often underdiagnosed.

Sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran

Background: Aeroallergens as one of the most common cause of allergic disease derived from pollens, dust mites, fungi, and animals. The prevalence of aeroallergens is different in various areas. Objectives: This study was designed to identify the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with allergy in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 656 patients with allergy from Southwestern Iran from July to December 2014. Sensitization to aeroallergens was assessed by skin prick test using a panel of common 15 aeroallergens in studied patients. Results: A positive skin test to at least one of the applied allergens was seen in 74.5% of our patients. The female to male ratio and mean age of the patients were 1.27 and 27.6 ± 14.7 years, respectively. Pollens were the most common type of aeroallergens (64.6%), followed by dust mites (34.6%), cockroach (30.6%), and molds and cat hair (16% for each). Among pollens, the frequency of sensitization to weeds, grasses, and trees was in turn. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that pollens play as a main sensitizing allergen in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. This pattern was compatible with the results from studies carried out in this area.

The seasonal changes of serum IgE levels in the Turkish population

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the seasonal changes of serum-specific IgE (sIgE) levels against aero-allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: This retrospective study was made by evaluating the medical files of 397 patients aged between 20 and 54 who received the diagnosis of AR in our outpatient clinic. sIgE levels against 20 aeroallergens were measured with using enzyme-immunoassay. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.8 ± 8.7. The patients were referred mostly in spring and in the month of March (21.4%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of hospital referrals between summer, fall, and winter seasons (p=0.86). Of the patients, 23.2% were hypersensitive to one allergen and 76.8% to more than one allergen. The most frequently found sIgE was that against dog epithelium as seen in 61% of the patients. Conclusion: Since our patients were hypersensitive to more than one allergen, the increase in the number of allergens inducing hypersensitivity resulted in the elevation of all sIgE levels. It is thought that in allergic diseases the induction of antibodies to one allergen is followed by the formation of antibodies against other sensitizing allergens as a response of the immune system.

High-dose sublingual immunotherapy in patients with uncontrolled allergic rhinitis sensitized to pollen: a real-life clinical study.

High-dose pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is indicated in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (AR), especially those who are unable to control their disease with pharmacotherapy. We explore the use of high-dose SLIT in patients with severe AR and sensitized to pollen, in real-life clinical practice. We also analyzed the effect on asthma. This was a prospective observational study conducted at the Allergy outpatient clinic at Hotel Dieu de France Hospital (HDF), Beirut, Lebanon. The cohort, composed of 118 patients between 7 and 55 years old, was regularly evaluated at inclusion, at 12 months, and at 36 months. Fifty-five percent of AR patients had associated controlled asthma. Patients received a standardized pollen extract (Staloral 300IR). The pollen combination was 1 to 3 pollens, the most commonly used were Parietaria judaica, Cupressaceae, 5grasses, and Oleaceae. In a previous study, those were the main allergenic pollens correlated to AR in the same population. Global assessment of the effect of SLIT was measured using a rhinitis total symptom score (RTSS), a rhinitis medication consumption score (RMCS), a global asthma score (ASS), and an asthma medication consumption score (AMCS). Using a t test we found that the average scores at inclusion, 12 months, and 36 months, respectively, were as follows: RTSS: 31.32, 16.39 (p < 0.041), and 13.35 (p < 0.041); RMCS: 6.96, 1.96 (p < 0.0162), and 1.61 (p < 0.0162); ASS: 4.62, 1.96 (p < 0.0005), and 1.33 (p < 0.0005); and AMCS: 2.35, 0.78 (p < 0.0005), and 0.7 (p < 0.0005). Our study showed favorable results of SLIT to aeroallergens in patients with uncontrolled AR. The effect is also applicable to the subgroup of patients suffering from concomitant, controlled asthma.

Frecuencia de sensibilización a aeroalergenos en pacientes con conjuntivitis alérgica estacional y perenne

Antecedentes: la conjuntivitis alérgica es una enfermedad inflamatoria que afecta directamente a la conjuntiva, la patogénesis de la conjuntivitis alérgica es predominantemente una reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo I mediada por IgE. Se relaciona principalmente con la sensibilización a aeroalergenos extra e intradomiciliarios. En términos clínicos se clasifica como estacional o perenne. El cuadro clínico consiste en prurito ocular, hiperemia conjuntival, epífora y fotofobia.Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de sensibilización a aeroalergenos en pacientes con conjuntivitis alérgica estacional o perenne que acuden al Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica del Hospital General de México.Material y método: estudio transversal y descriptivo efectuado en pacientes con conjuntivitis alérgica estacional o perenne. Previo consentimiento informado, se realizó la historia clínica completa, así como estudios de laboratorio y pruebas cutáneas a aeroalergenos; se determinó la frecuencia de sensibilización a aeroalergenos.Resultados: se encontró con mayor frecuencia la sensibilización a pólenes de Quercus, Alnus y Fraxinus, seguidos de Dermatophagoides spp. Predominó el género femenino entre la segunda y cuarta décadas de la vida.Conclusión: la conjuntivitis alérgica es una enfermedad frecuente asociada con rinitis alérgica. Los alergenos asociados con mayor frecuencia en este estudio fueron los pólenes y ácaros del polvo doméstico.

Choix du meilleur panel de prick-tests pour explorer une rhinite ou un asthme au Liban : une étude rétrospective sur 2350 patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of skin prick-test reactivity to different aeroallergens in patients with rhinitis and asthma in Lebanon and its geographic variation within the country. It was also to suggest a minimal panel of allergens that should be used to detect sensitized patients. All patients who underwent skin prick-testing, because of rhinitis and/or symptoms suggesting asthma, between 2004 to 2011 in the hôtel-Dieu de France university hospital of Beirut, were studied. The total number of patients was 2350 and all were tested with the same panel of 24 aeroallergens. A further series of 208 patients were added because Cupressaceae antigens were not included in the initial series. The overall rate of sensitization to any allergen was 75.6%. A battery of eleven allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia, Parietaria, grass, Salicaceae, oak, Oleaceae, dog, cat, and cockroaches) was found to identify sensitized patients with a sensitivity of 96% and a negative predictive value of 90%. Cupressaceae should be added to this battery in view of the results of the additional series. The Bekaa region had a unique profile of sensitization. Twelve allergens are able to detect almost all sensitized patients suffering from respiratory symptoms in Lebanon.

Variability In Measurement Of Allergen Skin Testing Results Among Allergy-Immunology Specialists

Epicutaneous skin testing for sensitization to aero-allergens in patients with allergic diseases requires measurement of skin wheal and erythema in response to antigens. This may be variable between different providers especially among patients with dark skin pigmentation. Purpose of this study is to determine whether Allergy-Immunology specialists vary in their measurement of epicutaneous skin tests in patients with differential skin pigmentation. 3 patients with differing skin tones were skin tested using various concentrations of histamine to produce increasing sizes of skin wheal and erythema reaction. High quality photographs of these were taken and sent to 20 board certified/eligible Allergy-Immunologists to measure the wheal and erythema size. There was poor agreement among specialists in measurement of both wheal and flare sizes from patient with darkest skin tone. In contrast in patients with lighter skin tones there was fair to good agreement and excellent agreement from specialists in measurement of wheal and flare sizes respectively. Measurement of skin test results in patients with dark skin pigmentation may have significant variability even among specialists and in vitro tests may be more appropriate in these patients.

Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in patients with nasobronchial allergy.

ABSTRACTBackground:Aeroallergens are the most common causes of allergy.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in patients with nasobronchial allergy. Methods:This retrospective population study included 2254 patients with nasobronchial allergy, from late adolescents to adults. Their response to aeroallergens was assessed by skin prick tests.Results:More patients had rhinitis (72.7%), than asthma (27.6%). Although majority of patients were female, allergy is more common in men than in women (p<0.05). Both groups of patients had the greatest number of positive skin prick tests for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (27.5%) and weed pollens (21.9%), followed by grass (18.3%) and tree pollens (10.1%). Ragweed is the most common positive weed pollen in both groups, more in patients with rhinitis (p=0.022). The cocksfoot is the most common grass pollen in rhinitis group (15.3%), but meadow grass (12.6%) in asthma patients. Birch is the most common tree allergen in the both groups.Conclusions:More patients with nasobronchial allergy have rhinitis than asthma. Skin prick tests are usually positive for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and weed pollens, followed by grass and tree pollens, and they are more common positive in patients with rhinitis than asthma.

Basic and clinical immunology – 3018. Immunocap vs. skin prick testing for inhalant allergens

Background Skin Prick Testing has long been considered the standard for detecting sensitization to inhalent Allergens. However, in vitro testing for specific IgE is also common practice. Various studies have shown that these two methods are equal in sensitivity and specificity, while others have indicated that in vitro testing is less sensitive. This study was performed to compare in vitro Immunocap testing to Skin Prick Testing for identifying sensitization to common southern Aero-Allergens in patients with history of Allergic Rhinitis.

Skin prick testing in atopic eczema: atopic to what and at what age?

Atopic eczema is a common and distressing disease. This study aimed to review the age-dependent pattern of atopic sensitization to food and aeroallergens in patients with eczema by skin prick testing. The results of skin prick test (SPT), serum IgE, bronchial challenge test, and family history of atopy in eczema patients seen at a pediatric dermatology clinic were reviewed. SPT results were available in 816 eczema patients. In these patients, 90% had atopic sensitization to at least one aeroallergen, 69% to at least one food allergen, and 94% to at least one allergen by SPT. Together with a family history of atopy in parents or siblings and a personal history of airway atopies, 97% and 99.8% of the patients were atopic, respectively. Bronchial hyper-reactivity (BHR) was demonstrated in 44% of 339 patients. Aeroallergen was more prevalent than food allergen sensitization among children older than 10 years. The mites (D. pteronysissnus, D. farinae and Blomia Tropicalis) were the most prevalent allergens regardless of age and BHR, but D. pteronysissnus and D. farinae sensitization were more prevalent among BHR-positive patients. Beef is the least sensitized food protein in all ages. The majority of patients with eczema are atopic to aeroallergens. The mites (D. pteronysissnus, D. farinae and Blomia Tropicalis) are the most prevalent allergens regardless of age and BHR.

Chapter 31: Common in vitro tests for allergy and immunology

Allergen-specific IgE antibody is the most commonly ordered in vitro test in the practice of allergy and is used to diagnose type I hypersensitivity reactions to foods or reactivity to aeroallergens in patients with relative contraindications to skin-prick testing such as dermatographism. The Phadebas radioallergosorbent test (RAST; Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) was the first assay reported for the detection of the allergen-specific IgE antibody. In a RAST, antigen (allergen) is bound to a solid phase, such as a paper disk, and then incubated with human serum. A buffer wash removes unbound serum proteins, and radiolabeled anti-human IgE is added to detect bound IgE, if present. The results are reported in arbitrary units of IgE per milliliter of serum. The term RAST was originally a brand name but it is now often used colloquially (and incorrectly) to describe any in vitro assay for allergen-specific IgE. Total serum IgE can be measured and is helpful in determining atopic presentations such as in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or in patients with persistent asthma who are candidates for monoclonal anti-IgE antibody therapy with, omalizumab. In patients with recurrent bacterial infections of the sinopulmonary tract, the basic humoral immune system testing includes measuring quantitative immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and comparing them to age-matched normal ranges. Most clinical laboratories use nephelometry to measure immunoglobulin levels quantitatively. Nephelometry detects either the rate or the end point of soluble immune complex formation (the IgG in sera complexes with an anti-IgG antibody forming a classic immunoprecipitation reaction) by monitoring the scatter of transmitted light. The most common method for the screening of cellular immunodeficiency involved the measurement of the absolute and relative representation of the major lymphocyte subsets, T-cells, T-helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells, B-cells and NK-cells.

570 Atopy Patch Test to Aeroallergens Extracts is Useful In Allergic Diseases Diagnosis When Skin Prick Test is Negative

BackgroundThe atopic diseases are generally diagnosed by performing skin prick tests (SPTs) to different aeroallergens. However, when this study results negative, it is possible to perform atopy patch test (APT). This technique has been introduced to evaluate sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome. Nevertheless, its role in other allergic diseases has not been proved. Objective: Evaluate aeroallergens response using skin prick test (SPT) and atopy patch test (APT) in patients with allergic diseases.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of individuals who performed SPT and APT as part of allergic diseases study. The study subjects were patch and skin prick tested to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides), trees, grass and fungi mix, cat and dog dander, among others. The tests were performed at the respiratory allergic disease center of Santa Maria Clinic in Santiago, Chile, between January 2010 and April 2011.ResultsFifty-five patients were included, 18 (33%) males and 37 (67%) females, median age 6 years (range from 3 months to 62 years), with the following diagnosis: atopic dermatitis syndrome (60%), allergic rhinitis (58%), contact allergic dermatitis (16%), asthma (9%), recurrent bronchial obstructive syndrome (7%), allergic rhinoconjuctivitis (4%), chronic cough (4%), recurrent acute otitis media (2%) and recurrent laryngitis (2%). They underwent usual SPTs and APTs with multiple aeroallergens extracts. Of the 55 patients, 22 showed a positive SPT and 32 a positive APT; in 14 (25%) both, SPT and APT were positive. In 8 (15%) the SPT was positive and APT negative, while in 18 (33%) the SPT was negative, but the APT positive. Fifteen (27%) were negative to both tests.ConclusionsOur results show that APT might be a useful diagnosis test in patients with allergic diseases and that its routine use can improve their diagnosis.

70 Frequency of Sensitization for Food and Aero-Allergens in Patients Received in a Venezuelan Laboratory During 2010 to 2011 Period

BackgroundType I Allergy had been defined as an adverse immunologic reaction mediated by IgE that occurs after a repeated exposure to specific protein. The prevalence of the allergies has increased considerably in the past 20 years, thus increasing the need of study the response to several allergens. The objective was evaluate the frequency of foods and respiratory allergens sensitization in patients referred to Corpodiagnostica Laboratory (Caracas, Venezuela, ISO 9001:2008 certified laboratory) in the period that correspond from January 2010 and to July 2011.MethodsThere were a total of 2.445 patients with a request of specific IgE against some foods and aero-allergens. The sample was divided in groups according the age and sex. We measured the specific IgE to each patient by the in vitro RIDA Allergy-screen immunoblot method (r-biopharm, Germany).ResultsThe frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens were 41, 48% in 2010 (the most frequent were dust mites in the fallowing order: Dermatophagoides pteronissinus, D. farinae and Blomia tropicalis), and 51, 20% in 2011, being the frequent: D. farinae, B. tropicalis and D. pteronissinus. In the case of food allergens the frequency of sensitization were 25, 99% in 2010 and 36, 47% in 2011.ConclusionsIn Venezuela the most frequent aero-allergens during the whole period were the dust mites, unlike other countries with established weather seasons, by another hand for food allergens the most frequent were milk and cheese. In most patients, the specific concentration of IgE type antibodies against the aero-allergens and food proteins were low, however, we observed that for some allergens such as dust mites and seafood the concentration achieved were higher. The food allergies could predisposes to a further respiratory complication, therefore it is important the diagnosis of this kind of reactions.

Pattern of skin sensitivity to various aeroallergens in patients of bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in India

Nine hundred and eighteen patients with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis including 548 (59.69%) males and 370 (40.31%) females with a mean age of 30.10 years were studied for skin sensitivity to various aeroallergens by skin prick test. The maximum numbers of patients (261; 28.43%) were between age group of 20 to 29 years. Patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma were 191 (20.81%), allergic rhinitis were 305 (33.22%), and both bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis were 422 (45.97%). Significant skin positive reactions (2+ and above) were found in 657 (71.57%) subjects, which included 130 (14.16%) of bronchial asthma patients, 208 (22.66%) of allergic rhinitis patients, and 319 (34.75%) of both. The younger adults aged 20-29 years were the most commonly affected group with 197 (21.46%) significant skin positive patients. Insects (43.90%) followed by various types of weed pollens (21.79%), tree pollens (15.14%), dust (14.49%), house dust mite (12.42%), fungal spores (11.98%), grass pollens (7.73%), kapok cotton (2.18%), silk (1.31%), and wool (0.76%) were the offending allergens. Among individual allergens, most common aeroallergen was moth (33%), and least common was ehretia (0.54%). Among grass pollens, Cynodon (3.05%) was most common, and least common grass pollen aeroallergen was Pennisetum (1.74%). Among weed pollens, Ageratum (5.45%) was most common, and least common was Chenopodium album (1.53%). Among tree pollens, Holoptelia (5.01%), was most common, and least common was Ehretia (0.54%). Among dust, the wheat dust (8.28%) was the most common, followed by house dust (7.08%), and least common was paper dust (1.53%). Among the fungal spores, Aspergillus fumigatus (4.25%) were the most common, and least common was Candida (1.09%). Among insects, moth (33%) followed by mosquito (31.92%) were the most common, and least common was rice weevil (12.75%). When compared with the pattern of our study, there was significantly increased in sensitization to various allergens.