The Prevalence and Patterns of Allergic Sensitization in Isparta, Turkey

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of allergic sensitization in Isparta. Material and Method: Of the patients, 266 were children, 213 were women, and 119 were men. Serum specific IgE levels were analyzed by %uFB02uoroenzymeimmunoassay method (UniCAP, Pharmacia and Upjohn Diagnostics AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Results: Serum specific IgE levels were positive in 27.1% of the adults and in 26.3% of the children. Hypersensitivity to allergens was determined in 32.9% of boys, in 16.7% of girls, in 40.3% of men, and in 19.7% of women. There was no difference in allergy prevalence in terms of age (p> 0.05). However, the prevalence of allergic sensitization in males was found significantly higher than in the females (p< 0.05). The most frequently encountered allergens were as follows: Ambrosia trifida(31.6 %), honey bee (31.2 %), elm (27.6 %), nuts (18.5 %), cow epithelium (17.4%), Acarus siro (11.5 %), and penicillin G (4.2 %). Discussion: It was determined that the rates of sensitization against grass and weed pollens, tree pollens, and foods were high in Isparta and they exhibited an increased tendency in males