D1.07 - Profile of sensitization to inhalant allergens in Valencia: Analysis of 1.898 skin prick tests over one year

Respiratory allergy is one of the most prevalent allergic conditions. In Spain, 42.18% of patients seen in Allergy Departments are sensitized to pollens and 20.59% to dust mites, with the combination of both being the most common form of polysensitization. Valencia, due to its particular climatic characteristics and vegetation, exhibits a unique sensitization profile predominantly driven by dust mites. Identifying these patterns through skin tests is essential for improving the understanding and clinical management of patients. This study analyzes the sensitization profile in Valencia, with special attention to the most frequent forms of polysensitization.

An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was designed (October 2023 - October 2024) at the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe in Valencia, a tertiary hospital located in an urban area of the Mediterranean region. Skin tests from the standard inhalant battery were analyzed in 1,898 patients attended at the Allergy Department, regardless of their pathology or reason for consultation. Fourteen inhalant allergens were evaluated, including dust mites, pollen, fungi, and animal epithelia. The prevalence of each allergen, both individually and in combination, was calculated, and the number of combinations present was analyzed.

A total of 1,898 prick-tests were performed, of which 503 (26.5%) were negative, and 1,395 (73.5%) were positive. Analyzing by groups, 50.03% of patients were sensitized to dust mites, followed by animal epithelia (26.58%), pollen (18.34%), and fungi (5.98%). The most common profile was a combination of dust mites, animal epithelia, and pollen, present in 271 tests (14.28%), followed by dust mites (n=229, 12.07%) and the combination of dust mites and pollen (n=179, 9.43%). Analyzing by allergens, 164 patients (8.64%) were monosensitized. The most prevalent allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, with 34 positive cases (1.79%), olive (n=30, 1.58%), and cat epithelium (n=16, 0.84%). A total of 1,231 patients (64.86%) showed sensitization to two or more allergens, with the most common combination being Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae (n=183, 9.64%), followed by the combination of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and olive (n=45, 2.37%).

A high percentage of patients (64.86%) showed sensitization to two or more allergens, with dust mites being the leading cause of sensitization.