The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of allergens detected with skin prick tests in the patients who applied to allergy unit of hospital with allergic diseases and symptoms in Denizli, Turkey. It’s relationships to gender and age was evaluated.
Methods:
Data were obtained from allergy unit records retrospectively. Skin Prick Test (SPT) results between 2006 and 2009 were evaluated. Totally 32 different allergens were used in SPT. Positive and negative control is also taken into account. Sensitivity was evaluated by measuring the maximal diameter for each allergen after subtracting that of the negative control. Positive result defined as a wheal ≥ 3 mm diameter. Data were analyzed by SPSS-10.0 statistical packet program. Chi square test was used at comparisons.
Results:
Skin prick test results of the 963 patients with allergic complaints were evaluated. 727 of patients were female and 236 of them were male. Patients were aged between 8 and 80 years. Mean age of female and male patients were found as 35.7±12.3 and 34.0±14.0 respectively (p>0.05). Percentage of patients who were sensitive to one or more allergens was 59% (58% in female, 64% in male).
In female patients; single allergen sensitivity was 17.1%. Sensitivity to two allergens was 16.1%. Sensitivity rate of three or more allergens have been identified as 24.7%. In male patients; single allergen sensitivity was 18.3%. Sensitivity to two allergens was 16.6%. Sensitivity rate of three or more allergens have been identified as 28.5%
Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus(24.9%), grass mix(19.3%), and olive (22.4%) were the most common allergens in female. Grass mix (30.9%), cereals (25.0%), Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus (20.8%) and olive (17.4%). were the most common allergens in male.
Grass mix and cereals sensitivities were higher in men than women (p<0.001). Also allergen sensitivity has decreased significantly over the age of 50.
Conclusions:
In studies conducted in the same region; at least one allergen sensitivity has been reported as 53-56%. In this study; it was found as 59% and this rate is slightly higher. Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus and grass mix most frequently identified as allergens attract attention.
It is noteworthy that; more women have been sent for testing allergic symptoms. This is indicating that allergic complaints are common in women.