Mono- and polysensitization patterns of aeroallergens in Central Germany over 20 years

Objective Polysensitization to aeroallergens is a risk factor for the development of respiratory allergies and is associated with the severity of the disease. The aim of this study is to describe sensitization patterns between structurally different main allergen groups of dominant aeroallergens in a subpopulation of Germany, taking the regional pollen flight into account.

Methods Skin prick test results of symptomatic patients of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Göttingen (1998-2017) were analyzed retrospectively. Sensitization patterns of all tested patients were used from four-year intervals 1998-2001 (911 patients), 2006-2009 (370 patients) and 2014-2017 (515 patients) in terms of sensitization to the three aeroallergen groups of early-flowering tree pollen, grass and rye pollen, as well as house dust mites (HSM). In addition, cumulative annual total values of the regional pollen flight were determined.

Results High polysensitization rates are shown, with an increase over time from 66 % to 71 %. The prevalence of sensitization against all three aeroallergen groups increases from 31 % to 41 %. Doublesensitizations are most common between grasses and early flowering trees (22 %). There are largely constant monosensitizations against grasses and rye pollen and high monosensitization rates against HSM. The pollen flight data show no significant changes over time.

Conclusion In this large regional patient collective, an increase in polysensitization and a shift in the sensitization profile to structurally different aeroallergens are observed with consistent pollen flight over 20 years.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020