D2.91 - Exploring Geographic Differences in Ragweed and Mugwort Hypersensitivity Among Patients with Respiratory Symptoms of Allergy in Eastern and Western Europe

Ragweed (A. artemisiifolia – Amb a) and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris – Art v) pollen are the major environmental allergens, particularly in Europe, where its prevalence has increased due to climate change. Allergen-specific immunotherapy for both allergens is approved, but its effectiveness could be improved by more precise patients (pts) selection and targeted allergen use, based on detailed sensitization profiles.Aim of the study: To compare the rate of hypersensitization to Amb a and Art v in pts with respiratory symptoms of allergy in two major cities: Dnipro (Ukraine) in Eastern Europe and Leipzig (Germany) in Western Europe.

Study population: Pts with a history of any respiratory symptoms of allergy, residing in Dnipro and Leipzig.

Methods: Medical history and blood specific IgE (sIgE) to Amb a and Art v were evaluated. Written informed consent for the publication of these clinical details was obtained from the patients.

4976 pts from Leipzig (2111 men, 42.8+15.8 yo) and 992 pts from Dnipro (489 men, 31.4+16.3 yo) were included in the study.

Based on sIgE, the rate of hypersensitivity to ragweed in Dnipro and Leipzig was as follows: Amb a – 55.24 % vs. 26.04%, p < 0.001; Art v – 24.09 % vs. 44,06% p < 0.001.

Ragweed (Amb a) hypersensitivity was significantly more prevalent among patients in Dnipro compared to Leipzig, whereas Mugwort (Art v) sensitization was more common in Leipzig than in Dnipro (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). These findings highlight substantial geographic differences in weed allergen sensitization patterns between Eastern and Western Europe, underscoring the personalized allergen-specific immunotherapy selection.