Sensitization Pattern to common Inhalant allergens among patients with Allergic Rhinitis in Taiz, Yemen

Abstract

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects millions of people annually and is associated with significant morbidity resulting in substantial health care costs to society. Inhalant allergens as one of the most common cause of allergic disease derived from pollens, dust mites, fungi, and animals. The prevalence of inhalant allergens is different in various areas. Objectives: This study was designed to identify the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with AR in Taiz, Yemen. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Taiz, Yemen between March 2014 and October 2017. Patients with symptoms suggesting AR and have elevated total immunoglobulin-E (IgE) and sensitized to at least one inhalant allergen are included in this study. The severity of AR was assessed using special scoring system. Sensitization to inhalant allergens was assessed by skin prick test using a panel of common 12 inhalant allergens. Results: Sex ratio being 1.66:1, male: female. Age distribution ranged from 11 years to 67 years. House dust mite were the most common type of inhalant allergens (44.76%), followed by Cockroach (16.67%), house dust (14.76%), Mesquite (12.38%) and cat hair (10.45%). Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that HDMs play as a main sensitizing allergen in allergic rhinitis. This pattern was compatible with the results from studies carried in other areas with the same climate.