Skin Prick Test Analysis in Allergic Rhinitis Patients: A Preliminary Study in Abuja, Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Allergology
• Clinical Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent condition in Nigeria, yet specific allergen data is scarce.
• Understanding the clinical features and allergen sensitization patterns is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical features of allergic rhinitis patients in Nigeria.
• To identify common allergens and their relationship with AR severity and symptoms.
• To classify AR patients based on the Allergic Rhinitis Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A study involving seventy-four patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis via positive skin prick tests (SPT).
• Clinical features were evaluated, and patients were classified according to ARIA guidelines.
• SPT results for common aeroallergens were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of patients (35.1%) presented with moderate-severe persistent AR.
• House dust mites (22.6%) and tree pollen (16.8%) were the most frequent sensitizing allergens.
• No significant relationship was found between predominant symptoms (sneezers-runners vs. blockers) and specific aeroallergens or ARIA classification.

Conclusions:

• Most AR patients in Abuja, Nigeria, exhibit moderate-severe persistent disease with sensitization patterns similar to regions with comparable climates.
• Allergen sensitization patterns did not correlate with ARIA classification or primary AR symptoms in this cohort.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of specific allergens in Nigerian AR patients.