D2.52 - Prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens among atopic children in Ukraine
Background
Sensitization to aeroallergens in children is common worldwide. In Europe, prevalence rates of aeroallergen allergy show significant geographical variation, highlighting the likely influence of environmental factors such as regional pollen abundance and climate change, as well as nutrition, infections and economic development (Beutner C, Werchan B, et al. 2021). This study aimed to analyze the level of sensitization to various aeroallergens in children of different ages in Ukraine in 2024.
Method
We performed a retrospective analysis of sensitization in 1908 children (<18 years old) with atopic diseases who visited the Department of Allergy of medical center «Divero», Kyiv, Ukraine and their data were collected from January 2024 to December 2024. The children were tested using the ALEX2 multiplex allergy test (Macro Array Diagnostics GmbH, Austria) in 2024.
Results
The study revealed that among children, sensitization to the main cat allergen Fel d 1 prevailed – 452 children (23.70%). The second place among aeroallergens was taken by sensitization to house dust mites, in particular, to the allergen Der p 23 – 362 children (18.98%), Der f 2 – 360 children (18.88%), Der p 2 – 357 children (18.72%), Der p 1 – 330 children (17.30%). Also, among pollen allergens, sensitization to the allergens timothy grass Phl p 1 – 322 children (16.89), ragweed Amb a 1 – 305 children (15.99%), birch Bet v 1 – 269 children (14.11%) were most common. Sensitization to the main mold allergen Alternaria alternata Alt a 1 was also common among children and occurred in 250 children (13.11%).
Conclusion
Children were more likely to have sensitization to household allergens, namely, cat allergens and house dust mites. A significant proportion of children also had sensitization to pollen allergens, in particular, timothy grass Phl p 1, ragweed Amb a 1, birch Bet v 1. These data emphasize the importance of molecular allergy diagnostics in children for individualizing therapeutic approaches.
