Background: The prevalence of allergen sensitization varies in different geographic areas and population subsets. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of inhaled and food allergens among allergic patients in Henan Province, China.
Method: The prevalence and distribution of 19 inhaled and food allergens among 15,534 patients with suspected allergic diseases were retrospectively analyzed in Henan Province, China between December 2012 and August 2016. Reactivity of their serum-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to allergens was tested using the AllergyScreen test, sIgE ≥ 0.35 IU/mL was considered positive.
Results: Of the 15,534 patients tested, the sIgE of 6520 (41.97%) was tested positive for at least one of the 19 tested allergens. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (3540, 22.79%), cockroach (1398, 9.00%), and mold mix (1301, 8.38%) were the most frequently tested positive inhaled allergens, while cashew nut (1320, 8.50%), mango (768, 4.94%) and cow's milk (748, 4.82%) were the most frequently tested positive food allergens. The overall sIgE positive rate was higher in males than that in females (p < 0.05). Moreover, the sIgE positive rates to the most of the inhaled and food allergens were statistically different between age groups (p < 0.05). The sIgE positive rates of the main inhaled allergens increased with age. However, the sIgE positive rates for the primary food allergens were higher in the younger groups and lower in the older groups.
Conclusions: The characteristics of allergen sensitization revealed in this study in Henan Province would facilitate the prevention, diagnosis, and management of allergic diseases in this region.