• Rachel Eisenberg, Allon Raphael, Matan Risling, Ilan Asher, and Ori Toker.
• Allergy and Immunology Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel, Faculty of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
• Isr Med Assoc J. 2024 Nov 1; 26 (10): 616620616-620.

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common illness. Worldwide prevalence varies between 5% and 50% depending on self-reported surveys, test-based studies, geographic location, and age. Despite the clinical relevance of AR in the Israeli population, few studies have characterized the sensitization profiles and key pollen aeroallergen.ObjectivesTo describe the most common aeroallergens eliciting a positive skin prick test (SPT) in AR patients across three different main climate zones in Israel.MethodsWe evaluated SPT of aeroallergen sensitization in 1308 AR patients from three topographically and climatically different areas of Israel, describing humidity levels, temperature, and urbanization.ResultsThe overall prevalence of positive SPT among patients presenting with AR symptoms was 86%. Indoor aeroallergen sensitization was observed in 76% of patients. Monosensitization was noted in 20% of patients, and polysensitization was noted in 65%. Among the 1308 cases of AR, the top four aeroallergens were mites, olive tree pollen, grass pollen, and cat dander. The top aeroallergen in Israel's central district were mites (62%), olive tree pollen (36%), and grass pollen (30%). In the coastal plains, mites (92%), cat dander (36%), and olive tree pollen (33%) were most prevalent, and in the south mites (77%), olive tree pollen (30%), and grass pollens (26%) were most common.ConclusionsThe top four aeroallergens eliciting a positive SPT were mites, olive tree pollen, grass pollen, and cat dander. Identification of a major aeroallergen can tailor the allergist's SPT panels and specify which aeroallergen should be used for immunotherapy.

29 keywords...

hide…