Prevalence of immunoglobulin E sensitization to various inhaled allergens among the residents of the Northern United Arab Emirates: Automated evaluation of a membrane-based test system.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine specific positive immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to various inhaled allergens in residents of Ajman and the northern region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using an automated evaluation of a membrane-based test.

Methods: A total of 104 patients' blood samples were received from various hospitals and clinics in Ajman and other northern Emirates regions at Thumbay Laboratory, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, UAE, to carry out inhalation allergy tests during the study period of 12 months (February 2023 until January 2024). Using the EUROLINE immunoblotting method, 20 different inhalation allergens-impregnated latex strips were used to carry out the allergy test on the patients' serum samples.

Results: In total, 67 (64.4%) patients tested positive for various inhaled allergens. Approximately 59.7% (n=40) of the positive patients were commonly sensitized to the house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cockroach, and Candida albicans. High to very high IgE antibody titers (17.5≤sIgE<50.0 and 50.0≤sIgE<100.0 kU/l) to the dust mites were detected in the patients' age groups 1-15 and 31-45 years, and 31.25% of them from the same age groups were polysensitized to ≥3 different allergens.

Conclusion: The prevalence of positive IgE to various allergens among men was higher than women. These findings highlight the prevalence of IgE sensitization to various inhaled allergens to emphasize more public awareness and implement preventive measures necessary for controlling inhalation allergy-related diseases.