Sensitization patterns and minimum screening panels for aeroallergens in self-reported allergic rhinitis in China

Abstract

Optimization of skin prick test (SPT) panels, especially in view of significant differences in sensitizations patterns within different geographical areas, is an unmet need within China. Our aim was to assess the patterns and clinical relevance of aeroallergen sensitizations in allergic rhinitis (AR) and define the minimal battery of SPT allergens, classified according to the Köppen-Geiger climate map. Overall, 7148 subjects with self-reported AR completed a standard questionnaire and were assessed for sensitization to relevant allergens by SPT. 6340 (88.7%) patients had at least one positive skin prick reaction, and demonstrated unique sensitization patterns by stratification with age, gender, and geographic region. Sensitization to house dust mites (HDM) was highest in south China, whereas the three most prevalent aeroallergens were mugwort, ragweed and dandelion pollen in north-west China. Higher sensitization rates and multiple sensitizations were associated with AR comorbidities. Eight allergens (Der f, mugwort, Blatella, hazel, goosefoot, Penicillium notatum, animal dander and Der p) allowed identification >96% of sensitized subjects in central China. Differences in optimal panels were observed between regions, with five to six allergens being sufficient for north-east, north-west and south China. These SPT panels may provide a cost-effective tool for screening sensitized patients in China.

The use of specific immunoglobulin E in nasal secretions for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis

“…Combined with medical history, nasal symptoms, and the endoscopic examination, 39 patients were diagnosed to have allergic rhinitis. These findings are in accordance with the findings of Lou et al, who demonstrated that mugwort and Der f were the most prevalent sensitizing aeroallergens for AR throughout China. In accordance with the findings of other studies, the present study also demonstrated that 25% of the allergic rhinitis patients had comorbid asthma.…”

“…In the present study, the prevalence of mugwort was significantly higher than the prevalence of Der f , most likely because the study was conducted in August, the autumn season in Beijing during which the most prevalent aeroallergen in northern China is mugwort . Although the house dust mite allergen demonstrated high prevalence in the present study, this aeroallergen has the highest sensitization in southern China.…”

“…In the present study, the prevalence of mugwort was significantly higher than the prevalence of Der f, most likely because the study was conducted in August, the autumn season in Beijing during which the most prevalent aeroallergen in northern China is mugwort. 18 Although the house dust mite allergen demonstrated high prevalence in the present study, this aeroallergen has the highest sensitization in southern China. Thus, because mugwort was the most prevalent aeroallergen in the present cohort, we selected out only the 40 mugwort-sensitized allergic rhinitis patients to perform any correlation analyses and demonstrated that the local nasal mugwort sIgE level was positively correlated with serum mugwort sIgE level, and both local nasal mugwort sIgE and serum mugwort sIgE levels were positively correlated with VAS scores.…”

Associations among air pollutants, grass pollens, and daily number of grass pollen allergen‐positive patients: a longitudinal study from 2012 to 2016

“…In the population of northern China, patients who experience pollinosis are most frequently allergic to grass pollens, particularly Artemisia . Because of the large number of grass species, the duration of the grass pollen season is approximately 3 months in Beijing.…”

“…The species and concentrations of airborne pollen vary according to geographical location, weather conditions, and season. A recent multicenter epidemiologic study in China revealed that grass pollens were the most prevalent sensitizing aeroallergens in north China; in particular, sensitization rates for Artemisia pollen were 58.2% in northwest China . Another epidemiological study in the northern grassland regions of China also suggested that grass pollens were the most common allergens .…”