A Comprehensive Analysis of Skin Prick Test Results from Giresun Region

Objective: To detect the positivity ratio of prick test and to investigate the distribution of allergens according to the age, gender, pre-diagnosis and seasons in Giresun. Methods: In this study, 330 patients undergone skin prick test in 12 month- period were included. Reviewing retrospectively, ages, genders, pre-diagnosis, seasons and results of the prick tests were noted. Ratio of test positivity and multiple allergen positivity were compared between children and adults. Results: Of 330 patients, 92 (27.9 %) had allergic rhinitis, 73 (22.1 %) had urticaria, 59 (17.9 %) had chronic cough, 50 (15.1%) had chronic pruritus, 25 (7.6 %) had atopic dermatitis, 25 (7.6 %) had contact dermatitis and 6 (1.8 %) had angioneurotic edema. Highest test positivity was evident in angioneurotic edema (83.3 %) and allergic rhinitis (65.2 %) patients. Of the patients, 106 (66.7 %) had mite sensitivity (house dust and warehouse), 44 (27.7 %) had meadow and grass pollen sensitivity, and 43 (27%) had tree pollen sensitivity. The most frequent allergen type was house dust mites in allergic rhinitis patients [D. Pteronyssnus (55%) and D. Farinae (50%)]. In children, the highest ratio of test positivity was in allergic rhinitis (72.7%) and atopic dermatitis patients (50%). No difference was evident between the ratio of test positivity and multiple allergen positivity of children and adults (X2= 0.417, p=0.519 and X2= 0.383, p=0.536; respectively). Conclusion: The most common pre-diagnosis for prick test was allergic rhinitis. Highest test positivity was in angioneurotic edema and allergic rhinitis patients. The most common allergen type was house dust mite