“SENSITIZATION TO INHALANT AND FOOD ALLERGENS IN ATOPIC PEOPLE LIVING IN AND AROUND KANPUR BY IN VITRO SPECIFIC IgE ASSAY IN ATOPIC PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KANPUR”

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: - Allergy is a conditionin which immune system produce a response against antigens also known as allergens that results in excessive or exaggerated reactions leading to tissue damage, disease or even death. It is initiated after the first contact with an antigen (e.g. usually harmless microbes, allergens, or self-antigens) which sensitize the immune system after the second contact leading to overwhelming, uncontrolled strong immunological and pathophys

iological reactions.

AIM: - To find out the prevalence of inhalant and food allergies in and around Kanpur, UP.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: - Peripheral blood samples were collected from 250 atopic patients for IgE serum levels specific to inhalant allergens and food allergens. Specific IgE serum levels were assayed by RAST, Phadiatop-250. Specific IgE levels (RAST) greater than or equal to 0.35 UI/ml were defined as positive.

RESULTS: - Specific IgE serum levels were observed among atopics cases. The frequency of main inhalant allergens was: Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus = 49.2%, Timothy grass = 43.2%, Cotton = 36.4%, Bermuda grass = 32.8. In relation to food allergens, we observed: Banana = 71.2%, Lemon = 40%, Carrot = 37.6%, Milk = 34.4%. With respect of age, food allergen sensitization predominates in young children whereas the inverse occurs with inhalant allergens.

CONCLUSION: - There was a predominant frequency of sensitization to inhalant allergens, mainly house dust mites in the evaluated patient groups. Food allergens were also responsible for a significant proportion of sensitization mainly banana.