Analysis of in Vitro Detection of Allergens in 3901 Children with Allergic Rhinitis in Shenzhen Area

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disease in children, characterized by an immune response to various environmental and food allergens. The distribution and prevalence of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) play a crucial role in understanding the pathophysiology and management of AR. In Shenzhen, the profile of common allergens in children with AR has not been extensively studied, particularly in relation to seasonal variations, gender, and age differences. Objective: To investigate the distribution of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Shenzhen, focusing on 28 allergens. Methods: A total of 3901 children with AR, aged 0 to 14 years, were selected from the outpatient clinic of Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The distribution of sIgE positivity across 28 allergens was compared by season, gender, and age group. Results: Among inhalant allergens, the three most common with the highest positive rates were house dust mites, dog dander, and cat dander. In the food allergen group, the top three were milk, egg white, and beef. Dust mites exhibited the highest positive rate across all four seasons. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), were observed for dust mites, cat dander, cockroach, tree pollen, house dust, grass, egg white, beef, shellfish, cod, and mutton. Positive distribution patterns varied by gender for dust mites, cockroaches, tree pollen, house dust, and mugwort (P < 0.05), and by food allergens such as shrimp, crab, lobster/scallop, and mutton (P < 0.05). The prevalence of house dust mites, cat dander, and cockroaches increased with age, while the positive rate of dog dander decreased with age (P < 0.01). Similarly, milk and egg white sensitization rates declined with age (P < 0.05). Notably, milk continued to show a relatively high positive rate after 3 years of age, with a higher proportion of strong positive sensitization. Conclusion: House dust mites and dog dander are the most prevalent inhalant allergens for children with AR across all seasons, genders, and age groups in Shenzhen. Milk and egg white are the primary food allergens. The positive rate for inhalant allergens generally increases with age, while food allergens such as milk and egg white show a decreasing trend. Milk retains a relatively higher positive rate beyond 3 years of age, accompanied by a higher proportion of strong positive sensitization.