Sensitization profiles of aeroallergens among allergic rhinitis patients in central China: A six-year real-world study.

Background: Environmental changes have led to shifts in allergen sensitization patterns globally.

Objective: To assess changes in aeroallergen sensitization profiles among AR patients in Yichang, a city located in central China along the Yangtze River and develop an optimized allergen panel for the diagnosis of AR through specific IgE (sIgE) testing.

Methods: This retrospective study encompassed all patients with suspected AR who sought care at a university hospital in Yichang between 2018 and 2023 and underwent IgE testing. Demographic and sIgE data were collected.

Results: A total of 11,855 patients were included in the study, with 7,453 (62.88%) testing positive for at least one allergen. The predominant allergen identified was house dust mite (HDM), with sensitization rates of 58.65% for D. pteronyssinus and 58.63% for D. farinae. Notably, sensitization to animal dander showed a significant increase, with cat dander rising from 4.41% in 2018 to 12.50% in 2023, and dog dander from 4.41% to 10.42%. Sensitization rates for various allergens also exhibited fluctuations, with seasonal peaks observed: HDM (summer/autumn), molds (spring/autumn), and Blattella germanica (autumn/winter). A five-allergen panel (HDM, B. germanica, mixed animal dander, mixed molds) identified over 95% of sensitized patients.

Conclusions: HDM remains the primary allergen among AR patients in this area, with rising sensitization to animal dander. A five-allergen panel effectively detects most sensitized patients.