Title Gender and age-related trends in inhalant allergen sensitization in lithuania: a cross-sectional study
Authors Didžiokaitė, Gabija ; Kuznecovaitė, Aida ; Biliūtė, Gabija ; Kvedarienė, Violeta
DOI 10.3390/ijms26199719
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Is Part of International journal of molecular sciences.. Basel : MDPI. 2025, vol. 26, iss. 19, art. no. 9719, p. [1-18].. ISSN 1661-6596. eISSN 1422-0067
Keywords [eng] inhalant allergens ; allergen sensitization ; molecular allergy diagnostics ; age-related trends ; sex differences ; ALEX2 macroarray ; respiratory allergy ; epidemiology
Abstract [eng] Sensitization to inhalant allergens is a major factor in the development of allergic diseases. Despite this, few studies have comprehensively analyzed age- and sex-specific patterns within defined populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of sensitization to inhalant allergens in different demographic groups of the Lithuanian population using molecular diagnostics. We retrospectively reviewed molecular allergy profiles of 658 patients tested with the ALEX2 macroarray between 2020 and 2022. Sensitization to inhalant allergen components was assessed and compared across three age groups (<18, 18–44, >44 years) and by sex. Sensitization to at least one inhalant allergen was observed in 62.16% of patients. Rates were significantly higher in males compared to females, particularly in the reproductive-age group (p = 0.0167). Children exhibited the highest prevalence, which declined with age. Tree pollen, pet dander, grass pollen, and dust mites were the dominant allergen groups. Boys were more often sensitized than men, and girls more often than women. Male patients showed higher sensitization to most allergens, except dust mites and weeds in certain female subgroups. Distinct age- and sex-related differences in sensitization patterns were identified. These results emphasize the importance of demographic factors in allergy diagnostics and highlight the need for region-specific sensitization data to inform clinical care and public health strategies.
Published Basel : MDPI
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description