Application of Magnetic Particle Chemiluminescence Technology to Detect Sensitization in Patients in Guangzhou, China: A Study Based on Real-World Medical Data.

Abstract

Objective: Magnetic particle chemiluminescence is a novel allergen detection technology recently introduced in clinical practice in China. This study analyzed the application of the ALLEOS assay using real-world clinical data from Guangzhou to identify regional allergen sensitization patterns.

Methods: A retrospective review of 20,406 suspected allergy patients, tested for 28 specific allergens using the ALLEOS 2000 system at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from June 2021 to January 2024.

Results: The highest positive rate was observed for Dermatophagoides farinae (53.4%), followed by D. pteronyssinus (43.2%) and tropical mites (20.4%). Children showed significantly higher positivity rates for most allergens compared to adults, except for dog dander and German cockroach (P < 0.05). Among allergic diseases, children predominated in rhinitis (84.9%), while adults predominated in asthma (56.5%). In terms of severity, asthma and rhinitis patients exhibited higher sensitization levels (Class 3-6) to D. pteronyssinus (81.6% and 86.3%) and D. farinae (86.7% and 87.3%), while dermatitis patients were more sensitized to egg (19.7%) and milk (17.9%) allergens. Allergen positivity rates varied by season, with children showing significantly higher sensitization to both daisy and dandelion in autumn (11.1% and 8.8%) and winter (11.8% and 16.7%). In childhood (ages 0-4), egg (31.4%) and milk (27.1%) sensitization rates peaked and declined with age, whereas animal dander showed lower rates (<10.0%). Multiple sensitizations were observed in 22.2% of patients. Analysis of sensitization patterns revealed three main categories for inhalation allergens: mite-dominant, animal dander-dominant, and pollen-dominant sensitizations, with a Cronbach's α of 0.889. Similarly, food allergies were categorized into egg and milk-dominant, nut-dominant, and seafood-dominant patterns, with a Cronbach's α of 0.932.

Conclusion: This real-world study revealed age-, disease-, and season-specific allergen sensitization patterns in southern China. Inhalant and food allergens formed three major sensitization clusters each. These findings support region- and population-specific testing strategies and may inform clinical decision-making.