Allergen Sensitivity Patterns and Their Correlation With Total Serum IgE Levels and Absolute Eosinophil Counts Among Patients With Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in North Karnataka

TL;DR

This study examines allergen sensitivity in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma in North Karnataka, finding that house dust mites are the most common allergen and that IgE levels and eosinophil counts correlate with sensitivity.

Contribution

The study identifies regional allergen patterns and validates correlations between IgE levels, eosinophils, and allergen sensitization in North Karnataka.

Findings

Blomia (house dust mite) was the most common allergen, affecting 50% of patients.

Total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts showed significant correlation with allergen sensitization.

Patients with both allergic rhinitis and asthma had a higher prevalence than those with only one condition.

Abstract

Introduction

Respiratory allergies are prevalent across all populations and age groups, with the specific types of allergens varying according to geographic area, climate, location, economic status, and ethnic identity. While skin prick testing is considered the gold standard for assessing specific IgE against particular allergens, several factors can make the test less preferred. Consequently, total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts are often used instead.

Objectives

The study aimed to determine allergen sensitivity patterns among patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and to correlate skin prick test (SPT) reactivity with total serum IgE levels and absolute eosinophil count (AECs). This was done to assess the potential use of these measures as screening tests.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Each patient underwent an allergen SPT, and measurements were taken for total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts. The study identified the most common allergens resulting in positive SPTs. Pearson correlation test was used for continuous variables, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The study found that the majority of patients had only allergic rhinitis (17, 38.6%), followed by those with only asthma (12, 27.3%), and those with both allergic rhinitis and asthma (15, 34.1%). The most common allergen was Blomia (house dust mite), affecting 22 (50%) patients, while the least common were honey bee and lemon, each affecting 1 (2.3%) patient. There was a significant correlation between total serum IgE levels and AECs (p < 0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was found between total serum IgE levels, eosinophil counts, and the number of allergens to which patients were sensitized.

Conclusion

Blomia (house dust mite) is the most common allergen among patients with respiratory allergies in North Karnataka. While total serum IgE levels and AECs may help identify the extent of allergen sensitivity, the SPT remains the gold standard.