Allergen Sensitization Profiles in Older Adults from Southern China: A Multi-Center Study

Abstract Background: Against the backdrop of China's rapidly aging population, the prevalence of allergic diseases among the older patient has shown a significant upward trend. This study aims to explore the sensitization of the patients aged over fifty in southern China and provide support for the prevention of allergic diseases in the older adults. Methods: Retrospective analysis the real-world data of 3,387 suspected allergy patients aged over fifty who underwent 8 kinds of common allergen sIgE testing including Mold-Mix-1, Blattella germanica , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , Gallus domesticus , Bos domesticus , Cancer pagurus , Penaeus monodon and Canis familiaris from 14 central hospitals. Results: Overall, B.germanica (25.8%) had the highest positive rate, followed by C.pagurus (23.4%), D.pteronyssinus (21.9%), and P.monodon (21.4%). For 50-59 years old, C.pagurus (58.4%) had the highest positive rate, but for 80-89 years old, B.domesticus (19.4%) had the highest positive rate. For D.pteronyssinus allergen, it`sshowed the highest positive rates in the summer, and gradually decreasing until winter. In addition, 75.5% of patients were positive for at least one allergen, and the optimal scale analysis further indicated three main sensitization patterns for the study population: I. House dust and seafood-dominated; II. Mold and animal hair-dominated; III. Proteins-dominated (Cronbach's α = 0.929). Conclusion: Totally, B.germanica , C.pagurus , D.pteronyssinus , and P.monodon were the main allergens in the study population. The sensitization of older with different characteristics was different, mainly in three patterns. In the context of health management, particular emphasis should be placed on the sensitization profile of older adults, which can be effectively prevention and control through allergen avoidance.