Topçu, Ayşe FüsunHocanlı, İclalTaylan, MahşukÇil, BarışKabak, Mehmet2024-04-242024-04-2420191301-08831339-3886https://doi.org/10.5505/ejm.2019.59389https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/yayin/detay/326596https://hdl.handle.net/11468/28102Respiratory allergies are currently on the rise and affect all age groups. Aeroallergens play a major role in the pathogenesisof respiratory allergic diseases, especially in asthma and allergic rhinitis. Skin prick tests and specific blood tests can b eused to safely ascertain allergen-specific IgE. When correctly implemented, aeroallergens such as house mites, pollens, andpet allergens can be determined. Skin tests are widely used to assess sensitivity to allergens due to their relatively easyapplication and safety.The present study aims to delineate a regional allergen profile and compare this profile with that of other regions of thecountry. Furthermore, a comparison of total IgE elevation and prick test positivity was made to assess the sensitivity andspecificity of total IgE levels.One hundred and sixty seven patients over 18 years of age that applied to either in- or out-patient clinics, that had adiagnosis of asthma according to the criteria of GINA (the Global Initiative for Asthma) and had been attack -free for atleast one month were included. Forty one patients were male and 124 were female.The prick test was positive in 18.7%. Pollens (41.9%), mite (22.5%) and cochroach were the most frequently detectedallergens. Those that had serum IgE levels higher than the serum reference value had sign ificantly higher rate of prick testpositivity (p=0.029).The present study demonstrates inter-regional variability of allergen profiles and the direct correlation between total IgEelevation and prick test positivity. In cases where prick tests are not av ailable, allergen sensitivity can be determined bytotal IgE levels.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessArticle24327627932659610.5505/ejm.2019.59389