Distribution of allergens in children with different atopic disorders in central Taiwan

Allergic disorders, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, are the most common chronic childhood diseases. Exposure to house dust mites (HDMs) can exacerbate allergic disorders in sensitized individuals. The data for sensitization to HDMs and other frequent allergens amongst atopic children in Taiwan is limited. We studied 498 children (aged 2-16 years) with atopy in central Taiwan with CAP testing (Cationic Antimicrobial Protein system). Our results revealed a high prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) (90.2%), Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) (88.2%), Dermatophagoides microceras (Der m) (79.5%), and Blomia tropicalis (Blo t) (76.7%) amongst the children. In contrast to HDM, the sensitization rates for other aeroallergens including cockroaches, dog dander, cat dander, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium notatum were not common among the study children. With respect to age, inhaled allergen sensitization predominated in older children, whereas the inverse occurred with food allergens. In addition, a relatively higher proportion of co-sensitization between Der m and the other three antigens, including Der p, Der f, Blo t was found. Our results suggest that HDMs, including Der p, Der f, Der m, and Blo t allergens, act as important inducers of symptoms in Taiwanese allergic children.