Sensitization rates and polysensitization to aeroallergens in Southern Lower Saxony over the last 20 years

Introduction:

Sensitization rates to aeroallergens show upward trends worldwide. The aim of this study is the description of profiles of dominating aeroallergens in Germany over the last 20 years, taking into account the regional pollen counts.

Methods:

Skin prick test (SPT) results of symptomatic patients of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology in Göttingen from 1998 – 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients from 4-year-intervals (1998 – 2001 [2093 patients], 2006 – 2009 [1034 patients], 2014 – 2017 [1188 patients]) were compared for sensitization rates, response strength in the SPT, and polysensitization with regards to the three aeroallergen group tree pollen (birch, alder, hazel), grasses and rye pollen, and house dust mites (D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae). Cumulative annual amounts of regional pollen counts were investigated during the above mentioned intervals.

Results:

Our selected patient population showed high sensitization rates with remarkable increase in almost all aeroallergens over time. The initially lower sensitization against both house dust mites matched sensitization rates of the other aeroallergen during the study period. While polysensitization within the allergen groups tree pollen and house dust mites increase towards the third interval, they remain nearly constant against grass and rye pollen. For most allergens, an increase in strength of the reaction is evident in the SPT over time. Of note, the pollen counts revealed no essential changes comparing the three intervals.

Conclusion:

This large regional patient cohort confirmed change of sensitization profiles of aeroallergens, at nearly the same pollen level over the last 20 years.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)