Retrospective evaluation of epidermal skin prick tests in patients living in Aegean region

Abstract

Sensitization to aeroallergens of Aegean region is not well decumented. In this study we evaluated the epidermal skin prick test results of the patients who applied to allergy outpatient department retrospectively. Epidermal skin prick test of the 5055 patients were evaluated. Of these patients 2638 (52 %) were female, 2417 (48 %) male, 1213 (24 %) adult and 3842 (76 %) pediatric patient, 1163 (23 %) patients were allergic rhinitis, 2477 (49 %) were bronchial asthma, 505 (10 %) were allergic rhinitis with bronchial asthma, 556 (11 %) were chronic urticaria, 253 (5 %) were wheezy infant and 101 (2 %) patients were atopic dermatitis, 2932 (58 %) had atopy history in their first and second degree relatives. Patients were aged between 3.5 months and 79 years (mean 14.1 3.2 years and median 11 years). In epidermal skin prick tests sensitization to house dust mites (D. farinae, D. pteroniyssinus), pollens (grass, cereals and trees), moulds, animal danders, foods (especially in early childhood) and cockroach were evaluated. Our data indicate that allergens that may be the cause of the high prevalence of allergic diseases in Izmir are probably produced by pollens and mites.

Sensitization Prevalence of Children with Allergic Rhinitis for Inhalant and Food Allergens in the Province of Sakarya, Turkey

“…We found the general rate of mold sensitivity in a humid Turkish province of Sakarya to be 7.6% (Alternaria, 5.2%; Cladosporium, 2.4%). Although mold sensitivity determination is difficult, our results are comparable with those detected in other regions of Turkey and abroad (24,38).…”

“…Our overall mite sensitivity rate was higher and the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus sensitivity rate was lower than those determined in İzmir (7,24). This difference could be due to the fact that İzmir is warmer and damper than the Sakarya province and is located by the sea.…”

“…Parallel to the degree of economic development, in the western world and in European cities the rates of allergies to animals are higher (24). Tezcan et al (24) in their study from İzmir reported animal allergies at a rate of 16%. In a study done in the East Black Sea Region, the sensitivity rate to animal fur was 28.7% (19).…”

“…Ayvaz et al (19) in the East Black Sea Region demonstrated 70% and 61% sensitivity rates to grass pollens and mites, respectively. Tezcan et al (24) showed that grass pollen was the most frequent cause of sensitivity in İzmir. Ceylan et al (25) determined that the most frequent cause of sensitivity (67%) among AR patients in Şanlıurfa was grass pollen.…”

“…A comprehensive Turkish study reported high rateus of sensitivity (46%) to house dust mites in warm regions near the sea and with high relative humidity, e.g., the Black Sea Region (33). Mite sensitivity in İzmir has been reported as 42% and 37% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and farinae, respectively (7,24). A study carried out in İstanbul reported mite sensitivity as 96.7% and 89.3% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and farinae, respectively (26).…”