Prevalence Of Allergens Research Articles

Allergic Sensitization Pattern in the Korean Dermatologic Patients.

Avoiding causative allergens is important for controlling the clinical course of allergic diseases. Allergen sensitization is influenced by many factors including the environment and lifestyle. The socioeconomic development, climate, and lifestyle changes have increased the prevalence of allergic diseases worldwide. However, there is little information about changes in the trend of the common allergens over time. This study was aimed at identifying the trends of the common allergens in Korea over a 10-year period based on the results of the multiple allergosorbent test chemiluminescent assay (MAST-CLA). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 5,760 patients aged ≥18 years who visited the Dermatology Department at a tertiary hospital over a period of 10 years. The serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) E and specific IgE levels to 41 allergens were determined using MAST-CLA, along with the clinical diagnosis, duration of illness, white blood cell count and eosinophil percentage. Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and house dust were the most prevalent allergens during the 10 years period, but the percentage of higher class responses has decreased in recent years. The number of patients sensitized to house dust (p<0.001), dogs (p=0.005), and cats (p<0.001) increased while that of patients sensitized to cockroaches (p<0.001) and storage mites (p<0.001) decreased over time. There were no significant changes in the total number of sensitizing allergens over time. The common allergens have changed over time. Based on the findings of this study, physicians and patients should consider changing their strategies for disease prevention and management.

Allergen Release Profiles of Fast-Dissolving Freeze-Dried Orodispersible Sublingual Allergy Immunotherapy Tablets

BackgroundSublingual allergy immunotherapy tablets (SLIT-tablets) provide a well-tolerated and clinically efficacious treatment for allergic disease such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. In SLIT, uptake of allergen by immune-competent cells in the oral mucosa activates the immune system and leads to tolerance toward the sensitizing allergen. The ability to deliver the full allergen content into solution within the recommended sublingual holding time is therefore an essential quality of SLIT-tablets that must be supported by the tablet formulation for all relevant allergen sources. SLIT-tablets based on a fast-dissolving orodispersible freeze-dried formulation (Zydis) are currently available for 5 of the most prevalent allergens: tree (birch and related species from the birch-homologous group), grass, ragweed, Japanese cedar, and house dust mite.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the allergen release properties of three freeze-dried SLIT-tablets containing tree, ragweed, and Japanese cedar extracts, respectively. The correlation between SLIT-tablet allergen release and the level of allergen-specific T-cell activation was examined for the tree SLIT-tablet.MethodsAllergen release kinetics and tablet disintegration times for the 3 freeze-dried SLIT-tablets were examined. For all 3 tablets, the magnitude of solubilized major allergen relative to time in solution was compared to external controls to achieve a measure of the total allergen release. Additional assessments of allergen release occurring after the initial timepoint (15 or 30 seconds in solution) were done independently of external controls by linear regression analyses. For the tree SLIT-tablet, the immunological potency of the released major allergen was assessed at each experimental timepoint by a Bet v-specific T-cell activation assay.ResultsAll 3 SLIT-tablets disintegrated within 1 second after contact with assay buffer without any detectible residue. Complete release of major allergens (Bet v 1, Amb a 1, and Cry j 1, respectively) was seen at the earliest experimental time points (15 or 30 seconds). For the tree SLIT-tablet, full T-cell activation was achieved at 30 seconds (earliest experimental time point).ConclusionsThe freeze-dried SLIT-tablet formulation consistently provides rapid and complete release of allergen from a wide range of species in a standardized in vitro assay. Full release of the SLIT-tablet allergen content within the sublingual holding time is a prerequisite for maximal exposure of allergens to the sublingual mucosa immune system. The freeze-dried SLIT-tablet formulation examined here supports short sublingual holding times and furthermore offers a convenient administration form of allergy immunotherapy.

Opportunities and challenges for upscaled global bivalve seafood production.

Slow growth in the bivalve mariculture sector results from production inefficiencies, food safety concerns, limited availability of convenience products and low consumer demand. Here we assess whether bivalves could meet mass-market seafood demand across the bivalve value chain. We explore how bivalve production could become more efficient, strategies for increasing edible meat yield and how food safety could be improved through food processing technologies and new depuration innovations. Finally, we examine barriers to consumer uptake, such as food allergen prevalence and bivalve preparation challenges, highlighting that appealing and convenient bivalve food products could provide consumers with nutritious and sustainable seafood options-and contribute positively to global food systems.

Allergic vulvovaginitis: a systematic literature review.

Despite the vaginal mucosa is able to respond to allergenic stimuli, vaginal allergic responses have been under investigated in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to identify the most frequent etiological agents responsible for vulvovaginal allergies, the prevalent signs/symptoms, and the diagnostic tests applied in this clinical condition. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, Web of Science, and EMBASE. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020167238). Studies were divided in two groups depending on allergen exposure route. Due to a significant number of studies correlating allergy to Candida infection, subgroup analysis was included. In direct exposure cases, Human Seminal Plasma was the most prevalent allergen, sensitizing 73% of affected women. These women presented localized swelling and burning as prevalent symptoms, affecting 42/68 and 36/68 women, respectively. Cutaneous Prick tests were applied in 58/68 women, either alone or combined with IgE measurements. Regarding cases of indirect/unidentified exposure, house dust mites was the most prevalent allergen (54%), followed by pollen (44%). Predominant symptoms were vulvar pruritus and burning, affecting 67/98 and 52/98 women. Skin prick test was the most prevalent diagnostic method used among different studies. Hypersensitivity toward Candida antigen was present in only half (163/323) of women presenting concomitant allergy and Candida infection. From the two types of allergen exposure that can cause vulvovaginal allergic responses, direct contact of the antigen with the vulva and/or vagina was the most prevalent. Still, allergens can also sensitize the vaginal mucosa secondarily to other exposure route, specifically aeroallergens.

Contact Allergy in Canada Versus United States: Analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data 2005-2016.

The aim of the study was to describe the differences in contact allergy between the United States (US) and Canada. This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group data from 2005 to 2016. Frequencies of demographics, clinical characteristics, positive reactions, trends, and occupations were calculated. A total of 28,640 patients underwent patch testing. At least 1 positive patch test was observed in 18,599 patients (US, 11,641 [66.5%]; Canada, 6958 [62.5%]). When comparing the 2 groups, US positive reactions were more likely to occur in male patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-1.49), older than 40 years (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.22-1.38), Black (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 2.24-3.19) or Hispanic race (OR = 3.53, 95% CI = 2.61-4.78), and/or patients with scattered generalized dermatitis (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.80-2.13). They were less likely to occur in patients with eczema (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.57-0.65) and Asian race (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.44-0.56). Nickel (US, 16.0%; Canada, 22.4%) and methylisothiazolinone (US, 13.4%; Canada, 11.0%) were the top allergens. The third most frequent was neomycin (US, 11.7%) and fragrance mix I (Canada, 10.2%). National differences in allergen prevalence and trends exist in North America.

Mites Are the Most Prevalent Allergen among Children with Severe Asthma in Gorgan, Iran

Mites Are the Most Prevalent Allergen among Children with Severe Asthma in Gorgan, Iran

Trajectories of IgE sensitization to allergen molecules from childhood to adulthood and respiratory health in the EGEA cohort.

Longitudinal studies assessing the association of profiles of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) sensitization to a large range of allergen molecules and respiratory health are rare. We aimed to assess trajectories of molecular sIgE sensitization profiles from childhood to adulthood and their associations with respiratory health. IgE reactivity to microarrayed allergen molecules were measured in childhood (EGEA1) and 12years later in adult life (EGEA2) among 291 EGEA participants (152 with asthma). At each time point, sIgE sensitization profiles were identified by latent class analysis (LCA) by considering IgE-reactivity to the 38most prevalent respiratory allergens. The LCA-defined profiles were then studied in association with respiratory health. At baseline, the mean (min-max) age of the population was 11 (4.5-16) years. The LCA identified four sIgE sensitization profiles which were very similar at both time points (% at EGEA1 and EGEA2); A: "no/few allergen(s)" (48%, 39%), B: "pollen/animal allergens" (18%, 21%), C: "most prevalent house dust mite allergens" (22%, 27%) and D: "many allergens" (12%, 13%). Overall, 73% of the participants remained in the same profile from childhood to adulthood. The profiles were associated with asthma and rhinitis phenotypes. Participants of profiles C and D had lower FEV1 % and FEF25-75 % as compared to profile A. Similar patterns of associations were observed for participants with asthma. There was no association with change in lung function. Using high-resolution sIgE longitudinal data, the LCA identified four molecular sensitization profiles, mainly stable from childhood to adulthood, that were associated with respiratory health.

Serum allergen-specific IGE to common aeroallergens among allergic rhinitis patients in Egypt

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis is the most prevalent allergic disease, and the prevalence and sensitization patterns differ among countries. Identifying the most common inhalant allergen in each region plays a key role in the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis. There are no data available about the most prevalent aeroallergen among allergic rhinitis patients in Egypt. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of positive serum allergen-specific IGE to common inhalant allergens among allergic rhinitis patients in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 354 allergic rhinitis patients, serum allergen-specific IGE was measured by using the Immuno CAP system to 16 common regional aeroallergens including (pollens, mite, molds, animal dander, and cockroach).ResultsThe overall rate of sensitization to any allergen was 74.6%. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, birch pollens, and Dermatophagoides farina were the most prevalent allergens (29.7%, 23.7%, and 18.6%), respectively. Cladosporuim molds were the least prevalent individual allergens (1.7%).ConclusionOur data suggest that Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and birch pollens were the predominant allergen sources among allergic rhinitis patient in Egypt.

Standard photopatch test battery? Proposal based on current epidemiology and experience in our Skin Allergy Unit.

The diagnosis of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is confirmed by photopatch testing (PPT). In Spain, the latest recommendation on which allergens to test in PPT dates from 1995. In the last 4years, we studied 455 patients with epicutaneous tests and performed PPT on 33 of those patients (7.3%). The most prevalent allergens in PPT were as follows: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (46%), fragrances (21%), and solar filters (18%). In our country, the most common photoallergens continue to be NSAIDs (ketoprofen). The increasingly common use of sunscreens has led to a growing involvement of solar filters in PACD, which can be also contained in other cosmetics. In our experience, PACD due to fragrances is nonetheless at least similar in frequency. The PPT battery must adapt to the prescription, use, and exposure habits of each country. We propose a diagnostic model to guide which allergens to test in PPT, which in our experience should also include fragrances.

Conjunctival Provocation Test With Blomia tropicalis.

Background: Conjunctival provocation test (CPT) is used to demonstrate clinical relevance to a specific allergen. Blomia tropicalis (Bt) is a prevalent allergen in tropical regions. Its major allergen Blo t 5 is commonly detected in house dust in Brazil. Patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) have IgE antibodies to Bt although it may not indicate clinical allergy.Objective: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the role of CPT in clinical allergy to Bt in allergic conjunctivitis (AC).Methods: CPT was performed in asymptomatic subjects with ARC (n = 26) outside the grass pollen season. They had positive skin prick tests (SPT) to Bt and other common inhalant allergens and they were off topical or systemic antihistamines. Standardized allergens were used for CPT (Blo t 5 462.5 ng/mL in 1:1 solution, Alk Abelló). CPT was conducted on a control group of subjects (n = 29) without symptoms of ARC and with negative SPT. CPT was performed with progressive doses of allergen solutions in normal saline (1:32, 1:16, 1:8, 1:4, 1:2). CPT with the same allergen dose that elicited a positive reaction was repeated one week later. The protocol was approved by the local Ethics Board and signed informed consent was obtained from all participants.Results: There were 92% (24/26) of positive CPT in subjects sensitized to Bt. Significant association was found between SPT and CPT results with Bt (p < 0.0001). CPT had 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to SPT results. Positive reactions with the same dose or one immediately higher occurred in 21 out of 22 subjects who repeated TPC 1 week later. Mild transient nasal symptoms (21/24) were the major side effects of positive CPT followed by moderate periorbital edema which occurred in 41% (10/24). One controlled asthmatic BT-sensitized subject developed wheezing and dyspnea during a positive CPT with Bt that cleared with inhaled albuterol (400 mcg). There were no reactions whatsoever of CPT in non-allergic subjects.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Bt may cause allergic conjunctivitis in our population. In addition, CPT is a safe and reproducible test if standardized allergens are used.

Analysis of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Contact Sensitization with respect to the Occupational Profiles in a Greek Patient Cohort: A Retrospective Analysis of a Greek Referral Centre and Future Perspectives.

Contact dermatitis is a frequent skin disorder related to environmental and occupational etiological factors, which could potentially affect all age groups, as well as both genders. The current study is aimed at exploring the patterns of contact sensitization with respect to the population's occupational patterns in Greece. A retrospective analysis was performed in a cohort of 1978 patients from 2014 to 2016. Patients were divided into two categories; blue collars (BlC) and white collars (WhC), as well as detailed occupation was considered. Separation was performed on the basis of their profession, i.e., labor workers and handicraftsmen were sorted to the BlC group, while office employees were sorted to the WhC group. The common allergen in all occupational subgroups was nickel sulphate. The three most prevalent allergens in both BlC and WhC were nickel sulphate 5%, fragrance mix (I) 8%, and Balsam of Peru 25%. WhC males were uniquely sensitized to colophony 20% and formaldehyde 2%, and WhC females were uniquely sensitized to 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMIT) and neomycin sulphate 20%. Sensitization to allergens manifested occupation-specific patterns. Allergic contact dermatitis surveillance is of great importance towards the clinical and systematic understanding of the disease, especially with respect to the patient's occupational profile.

Eosinophils Are More Strongly Relevant to Allergic Sensitization Than Basophils in Pediatric Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy

The relationship between eosinophils/basophils and allergic sensitization is not clear in pediatric adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH). The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between eosinophil/basophil counts and peripheral specific IgE levels, and identify the common allergens in children with ATH. We initially screened 1,031 consecutive children who underwent adenotonsillectomy in our department from June 2018 to June 2019, and finally included 676 children. The eosinophil count, basophil count, and levels of specific IgE were collected. Correlations between two quantitative variables were assessed using the Pearson or Spearman coefficient. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) for atopy after controlling for age, sex, vitamin D, BMI, and visiting season. Both the eosinophil and basophil counts in atopic participants were significantly higher compared to non-atopic participants. The eosinophil count correlated with the levels of IgE specific to all allergens, and eosinophilia was independently associated with all tested atopy allergens other than atopy to dander after multivariate adjustment. Additionally, the basophil count correlated with the IgE levels specific to A. alternate and food mix, and basophilia was still significantly associated with atopy to food mix after multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, among allergic participants, D. farinae was the most prevalent allergen, followed by food mix, D. pteronyssinus, and A. alternata. In conclusion, eosinophils were more relevant to allergic sensitization than basophils, with eosinophils being significantly associated with all tested atopy allergens apart from dander, and basophils being associated with atopy to food mix. Furthermore, D. farinae was the most prevalent allergen and may be indicative of desensitization therapy.

Leukotriene B4 receptors contribute to house dust mite-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation via TH2 cytokine production

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a lipid mediator of inflammation that is generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Previous studies have reported that the receptors of LTB4, BLT1, and BLT2 play mediatory roles in the allergic airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA). However, considering that house dust mites (HDMs) are the most prevalent allergen and well-known risk factor for asthmatic allergies, we are interested in elucidating the contributory roles of BLT1/2 in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Our aim in this study was to investigate whether BLT1/2 play any roles in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. In this study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT1/2 [LTB4 and 12(S)-HETE (12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid)] were significantly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after HDM challenge. Block-ade of BLT1 or BLT2 as well as of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) or 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) markedly suppressed the production of TH2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and alleviated lung inflammation and mucus secretion in an HDM-induced eosinophilic airway-inflammation mouse model. Together, these results indicate that the 5-/12-LO-BLT1/2 cascade plays a role in HDM-induced airway inflammation by mediating the production of TH2 cytokines. Our findings suggest that BLT1/2 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with HDM-induced allergic asthma.

Skin Testing With Peach Peel Extract Versus Serum IgE to Pru p 3 as a Stronger Predictor of Peach-Induced Anaphylaxis.

The most important peach fruit allergen is Pru p 3, followed by Pru p 1, Pru p 4, and Pru p 7. We aimed to assess their role in subjects with peach fruit-induced allergy (anaphylaxis and OAS) and compare skin prick tests (SPT) vs. specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) for predicting anaphylaxis. We also selected a control group. SPT included prevalent inhalant and plant food allergens plus peach peel extract. The sIgE to Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4, and Pru p 7 were quantified. Compared with controls (n = 42), cases (n = 41) were younger (P = 0.003), more frequently female (P < 0.05) and had higher SPT positivity to peach peel (44% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in sensitization to several pollens: Olea europaea, Artemisia vulgaris, Prunus persica, Platanus acerifolia (all P < 0.001); and fruits: apple (P < 0.04), peanut (P < 0.002), tomato (P < 0.005), and melon (P < 0.05). Pru p 3 sIgE was detected in 61% of all cases (85% anaphylaxis and 38% OAS; P < 0.01 each) and 5% of controls (P < 0.001). Pru p 4 sIgE was present in 19% of cases and 7% of controls. The sIgE to Pru p 1 and Pru p 7 were not found. The odds ratio to predict anaphylaxis for peach peel SPT was 113 (confidence interval [CI], 20–613; P < 0.0001); for sIgE to Pru p 3, 22 (CI, 5.3–93; P < 0.0001); and for SPT positivity to selected plant food allergens, 5 (CI, 1–19; P < 0.05). In our study group, SPT with peel peach extract was a better predictor of anaphylaxis than Pru p 3 sIgE or other variables considered. The role of sIgE to Pru p 1, Pru p 4, and Pru p 7 seemed negligible.

Prevalence of allergens of atopic asthma at Square Hospitals Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Asthma is one of the major substantial public health problems, caused by both the genetic and the environmental factors (allergens and air pollution). Here, the prevalence of allergens of atopic asthma was investigated and carried out at Square Hospitals Limited., Dhaka from November 2019 to July 2020. The study group consisted of 168 asthmatic subjects who suffered from asthma. Skin prick test of 56 listed allergens, serum immunoglobulin E level, and clinical history were assessed to investigate the prevalence. The survey depicted an 80% positive reaction to Dermatophagoides farinae and a 71% to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. For these allergens, a high prevalence was recorded in males (50% and 47.02%) who belonged to the age group of 26 to 45 years (28.57% and 24.40% respectively). Furthermore, the significance of family history of allergy (51.79% and 48.81%) and medication history (41.07% and 39.29%) was found to be substantial for these allergens. Additionally, 57% of respondents were tested positive for dog epithelia and cockroach allergens, 56% for grain (wheat) dust, 44% to mosquito allergen, 42% for house dust and Aspergillus fumigatus, 36% to chicken feather, 35% for pigeon feather, and 6% to latex. Moreover, 80.36% of respondents had elevated serum immunoglobulin E level concerning their ages and 11.90% did not have serum reports. Interestingly, the respondents who had no family history of allergy were found to be more allergic to fungi allergens. Lastly, 39.1% of respondents were allergic to different kinds of foods like aquatic or seafood, animal products, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Among the respondents, 64.9% reported to have a positive family history. Association and correlation of allergens with different risk factors were analyzed and it was concluded that people predominantly suffered from mite allergens followed by animal dander, insect, dust, fungi and pollen, and a minute amount of latex allergens.

Review of Sensitization to prevalent allergens in Iran and their geographical distribution

Review of Sensitization to prevalent allergens in Iran and their geographical distribution

Minimum Allergen Screening Panel for Allergic Rhinitis in Bangalore: A Cross Sectional Study.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common condition presenting to an Otorhinolaryngologist. Prevalence of AR is on the increase and it has significant impact on quality of life of the patient. Skin prick test (SPT) is a simple test to determine allergen sensitization status in patients with AR. There is wide variation in allergen panel used in SPT among various allergy clinics and many centres use a large panel of allergens which requires multiple skin pricks for the patient undergoing the test. Our aim was to identify a minimum panel of allergens among patients with symptoms of AR undergoing SPT which could be used as a screening panel for AR. The present study is a cross sectional study in patients with symptoms of AR undergoing SPT at Allergy clinic of Bangalore Baptist hospital over a period of 18months from January 2018. 149 patients were included in the study and 26 patients who had negative SPT for all allergens tested were excluded. Prevalence of sensitization for individual allergens was calculated. House dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) was the most prevalent allergen to which 73.9% and 65.8% of our study population was sensitized respectively. We identified a minimum allergen panel of 3 allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Lambs quarter and Dermatophagoides farinae) which could identify > 90% of patients sensitized in the study group.

A comprehensive survey of allergen labeling on pre-packaged food products imported from Mainland China

This study investigated the prevalence, type and accuracy of allergen labeling information on 429 imported pre-packaged food products imported from Mainland China sold in Sydney, Australia. Overall, 93.5% of the products complied to the FSANZ's Food Standards Code and included English labels. The 73% of the surveyed products complied with Australian mandatory allergen labeling requirements and stated the presence of allergens in the ingredient lists and allergen summary statements. The 22% of the products contained PAL statements and overall, the wording “may contain traces of” (28.4%) was commonly used. While most PAL statements (69.5%) were in English, a considerable number of PAL statements were only in Chinese (19%). The ELISA analysis revealed that 51.5% of the tested products contained at least one allergen residues, ranging from 0.7 to 297.3 ppm. The 30% of the tested products contained allergen residue levels exceeding the VITAL® Action Level Two (i.e. high risks of allergens) that recommends PAL, where milk (45%) was the most prevalent allergen followed by egg (40%), wheat (35%), and peanut (10%). Among them, 55% did not contain PAL statements and 30% of the positive products with PAL statements contained undeclared allergens (i.e. not specified in the PAL statements). This study deemed 25.8% of the products imported from Mainland China pose potential risks for allergic consumers. This study highlights the necessity of implementing mutually acceptable or harmonized allergen labeling requirements including PAL and risk assessment plans globally.

Food allergy, airborne allergies, and allergic sensitisation among adolescents living in two disparate socioeconomic regions in Ecuador: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundAllergic diseases are under-investigated and overlooked health conditions in developing countries. We measured the prevalence of food allergy (FA), airborne allergic disease, and allergic sensitisation among adolescents living in 2 socio-demographically disparate regions in Ecuador. We investigated which risk factors are associated with these conditions. MethodsA cross-sectional study involved 1338 students (mean age: 13 ± 0.9 years old) living in Cuenca (n = 876) and Santa Isabel (n = 462). History of allergic symptoms (noted by parents or doctor) to food, house dust mites (HDM), pollen, and pets were recorded. Sociodemographic characteristics, environmental exposures, and parental history of allergic disorders data were collected. Sensitisation to 19 food and 20 aeroallergens was measured by skin-prick testing (SPT). FA and airborne allergic diseases (to HDM, pollen, cat, or dog) were defined as a report of allergic symptoms noted by doctor, together with a positive SPT (wheal size ≥3 mm). Logistic regression models were used to identify environmental and parental factors associated with allergic conditions. ResultsFA was prevalent among 0.4% (95% CI 0.2%–0.9%), and food sensitisation among 19.1% of the adolescents. Shrimp was the most frequent food linked with FA and food sensitisation. Risk factors associated with FA could not be evaluated due to the low prevalence. Food sensitisation was higher among adolescents exposed to family smoking (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.14–2.34, p = 0.008) and those with parental history of allergic disorders (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13–2.49, p = 0.01), but less common among adolescents owning dogs (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41–0.84, p = 0.003).Airborne allergic diseases were prevalent amongst 12.0% of the adolescents (95% CI: 10.4–13.9, n = 1321), with HDM as the primary allergen (11.2%). Airborne allergic diseases were less common among adolescents with more siblings (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.96, p = 0.02) and those who lived with farm animals in the first year of life (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.95, p = 0.04), but, most common among adolescents with a smoking family (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.04–2.70, p = 0.03) and with a parental history of allergic disorders (OR self-perceived: 2.62, 95% CI 1.46–4.71, p = 0.001; OR diagnosed by a doctor: 4.07, 95% CI 2.44–6.80, p < 0.001). ConclusionsFA and airborne allergies are less prevalent in Ecuador than in developed regions; there is a great dissociation between the prevalence of allergic disease and allergic sensitisation. Shrimp and HDM were the most prevalent allergens. Risk factors identified in this study to be related to allergic diseases should be considered by physicians, health practitioners, and epidemiologists in Ecuador.

Pollen allergen sensitization feature of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents in northern China

Objective:The prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis（SAR） is high in children and adolescents population. The aim of this study is to explore the feature of pollen allergen sensitization of SAR in children and adolescents . Method:Children and adolescents with self-reported seasonal allergic rhinitis in an allergy center of a tertiary hospital were enrolled and received skin prick test（SPT） of 13 common pollen allergens. SAR was defined with positive SPT to any pollen allergen. SPSS software was applied to analyze the differences in age, gender, sensitization pattern. Result:In total, 374（85.6%） SAR cases with self-reported seasonal allergic rhinitis were enrolled,including 213 males （57%） and 161 females （43%）. There are 198 children （2-12 years old） and 176 adolescents （13-17 years old）. The highest sensitization rate was presented in Chenopodium （73.8%） , Humulus（67.6%） and Artemisia （64.7%）.The severe sensitization was presented in Artemisia（53.7%）, Humulus（46.8%） and Chenopodium （42.0%）. No gender difference was found among different pollen allergens and sensitization patterns（P>0.05）. No age difference was found between different pollen allergens and sensitization patterns except that Cupressaceae was higher in adolescent group than that in children group（55.1% vs 42.9%, P=0.023）. Poly-sensitization rate was 57.2% in tree pollens, 59.6% in weed pollens and 81.3% in total. Significant correlation was found among different tree pollens and weed pollens（P<0.01）. Tree pollen sensitization was significantly correlated with weed pollens except Cupressaceae（P<0.01）. The mono-sensitization rate is low in all 4 weed pollen allergens ranged from 1% to 8% while 49.2% of SAR patients were allergic to all of the 4 weed pollen allergens. Conclusion:The prevalent pollen allergens in SAR were similar in children and adolescent comparing to adults. No obvious gender and age differences were found. An extensive co-sensitizations were found among pollens especially in weed pollens.