The prevalence and sex difference of allergen sensitization among adult patients with allergic diseases in Shanghai, China.

Background: The worldwide prevalence of allergic diseases has increased during the last few decades, but it is not well known about the sensitization profiles of adult patients in Shanghai.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and sex difference of allergen sensitization among adult with allergic diseases in Shanghai.

Methods: The sensitization profiles of 7,996 patients (18-60 yrs old) with allergic diseases at our center were retrospectively analyzed, based on the results of skin prick tests. The prevalence of various allergen, age and sex difference of allergen sensitization were investigated.

Results: The most common allergens were Dermatophagoides farinae (73.10%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (72.21%) and Blomia tropicalis (53.10%), followed by Blattella germanica (31.18%), Periplaneta americana (27.75%), dog dander (24.96%), mixed molds (17.56%), and shrimp (17.02%). For the patients aged 18-30 yrs, mites and animal dander were most common allergen, whereas cockroaches and mixed molds for those aged over 40 yrs old. As for sex difference, males were more sensitive to Blomia tropicalis, cockroaches and mixed molds. Females were more sensitive to Dermatophagoides farinae and animal dander.

Conclusions: The most common allergen in Shanghai are mites, cockroaches, and dog dander. There are sex and age difference on profiles of allergen sensitization.