Demographic characteristics and allergen sensitization profiles in patients with allergic rhinitis in Shenzhen, China

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasingly prevalent in China, yet allergen sensitization data in coastal subtropical cities such as Shenzhen remain scarce.

To investigate allergen distribution and demographic characteristics among AR patients in Shenzhen, China.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3351 AR patients from January to December 2022. Serum-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels were measured; values ≥0.35 kU/L were considered positive and graded into six levels. Allergen patterns were compared by gender, age (<14 vs. ≥14 years), and sIgE level.

Clinic visits peaked in August. The most prevalent allergens were Blomia tropicalis (Bt), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), and Dermatophagoides farinae (Df). Other important indoor allergens included cockroach, dog dander, and cat dander. Leading outdoor allergens were Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed), Chenopodium album/Amaranthus retroflexus, and Platanus/Fraxinus. Male patients showed higher sensitization to Dp and Df (P < 0.05). The sensitization proportions for leading allergens (Bt, Dp, and Df) declined with increasing age: compared with adolescents and adults (≥14 years), pediatric patients (<14 years) had significantly higher sensitization to indoor allergens, whereas the adolescent/adult group showed significantly higher sensitization to pollens and molds (P < 0.05). Dp and Df responses peaked at class 3, Bt and cat dander at class 2, and cockroach/dog dander/pollens/molds at class 1, with significant differences in sIgE levels among allergens (P < 0.05).

Dust mites, especially Bt, are the primary source of allergens affecting AR patients in Shenzhen. Sensitization patterns differ by age, gender, and sIgE levels, highlighting the importance of region-specific allergen surveillance and personalized AR management.