Prevalence of IgE-mediated sensitization in patients with suspected food allergic reactions in Jordan.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Despite the recognition of food allergies as a significant cause of morbidity and a growing public health burden worldwide, there are no epidemiological studies addressing food sensitization and allergy in Jordan. OBJECTIVE:To conduct an epidemiological study that retrospectively analyzes sensitization data from 3463 patients with suspected immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergic reactions who performed specific IgE tests in our laboratories in Jordan. METHODS:Specific IgE (s-IgE) tests were analyzed for patients who performed enzyme allegro-sorbent testing based on either self-reported food allergy or upon physician's request. RESULTS:2.3% of the analyzed samples were cross-reactive to carbohydrate determinants. A quarter of the patients were sensitized to one or more food allergens, with males having higher odds of being s-IgE positive. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of sensitization was seen in infants and children compared with adults. s-IgE was most frequently found against cow milk (11.2%), pistachio (4.9%), soybean (4.6%), cherry (4.4%), and orange (4.4%). Interestingly, the s-IgE class distribution profile of pistachio differed from the rest of the top hits being skewed away from the weak class 1 leaning more towards higher IgE classes. Food allergen sensitization was age group-dependent: milk, tree nuts, and eggs were the main food groups causing sensitization in infants, while it was fruits followed by milk in children and adults. CONCLUSIONS:Our work represents the first epidemiological study addressing food sensitization in Jordan. This study lays a solid foundation for future studies that can help better guide food allergy diagnosis, patient dietary modifications, and food elimination plans, as well as assist decision-makers in the region to develop national strategies for an efficient and sustainable healthcare system.
SUBMITTER: Abu-Dayyeh I
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7416048 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
ACCESS DATA