Sensitization of common allergens and co-sensitization patterns in the Korean population

Allergic diseases occur frequently and reduce the quality of life in patients with allergies. Many studies have investigated the pattern of various allergic antigens; however, studies on general patients are insufficient. Sensitization of allergens varies greatly depending on race or region. This study aims to investigate the sensitization of common allergens present in Korea and co-sensitization patterns among these allergens. We used data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2019. Serum-specific immunoglobulin E levels were measured using the ImmunoCAP assay for Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), dog, cat, birch, oak, Japanese hop (J-hop), and ragweed. In addition, demographic data and responses to a questionnaire about rhinitis symptoms were obtained. The ImmunoCAP assay was performed on 2,397 out of 8,110 participants. The sensitization rate to at least one antigen was 45.2%. Df was the most common sensitized allergen (39.9%), followed by oak (11.2%), birch (10.2%), ragweed (8.7%), and cat (8.5%). Among the sensitized participants, 41.3% were sensitized to multiple antigens. In participants sensitized to a single allergen, 91.8% were sensitized to Df. In individuals sensitized to seasonal allergens, approximately 75% showed sensitization to Df too (birch: 74.6%, oak: 74.3%, J-hop: 74.3%, and ragweed: 76.3%). Around 90% exhibited co-sensitization with Df among individuals sensitized to perennial antigens (dog: 91.6% and cat: 88.7%). The allergen sensitization rate in the general population was about 41.3%. In addition, Df was co-sensitized to 75% of participants sensitized to seasonal allergens and 90% of participants sensitized to perennial allergens. Most allergens showed a tendency for sensitization to decrease with age, while some allergens exhibited peak sensitization at different age ranges. Further research is needed to explore these differences and their associations with co-sensitization. Moreover, studies are required to investigate how these cross-reactivity patterns are associated with patients' symptoms.