Aeroallergen sensitization
SPT to aeroallergens was performed in 269 subjects (96.4%) of whom
completed the follow-up. Of these subjects, 36.8% (99/269) were
sensitized to at least one aeroallergen. Polysensitization was found in
about half of the sensitized patients (44%). Dermatophagoides
pteronyssinus was the most common sensitized allergen (86.0%),
followed by Bermuda grass (23.0%), cat hair (22.0%) and American
cockroach (22.0%), German Cockroach (18.0%), dog hair (12.0%), and
Johnson grass (6.0%) respectively. Sensitization to molds was
relatively low, including Aspergillus spp. (2.0%) andCladosporium spp. (1.0%). Aeroallergen sensitization between
healthy subjects and ever-wheezing (35.4% vs 35.8%) and between
healthy subjects and rhinitis (36.1% vs 32.7%) were not significantly
different. Having household furry pets (cats and dogs) or neighbourhood
furry pets did not increase sensitization to pets in our cohort.