Sensitization to 19 allergen sources in 2,124 children in Kashi Prefecture, China: a single-center cross-sectional retrospective study

Objectives To investigate the sensitization to common allergen sources among children in Kashi Prefecture and offer a scientific foundation for preventing allergic diseases in this demographic. Methods The study retrospectively collected the detection results of serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies from 2,124 children at the First People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture from January 2022 to December 2024. Results The overall sensitization rate detected by sIgE was 42.70%. Within the sensitization cases, inhalant allergens had a sensitization rate of 29.52%. The most frequent allergen sources included tree combinations (330 cases, 15.54%), cat fur (243, 11.44%), and Artemisia argyi (195, 9.18%). The sensitization rate for food allergens was 24.01%, with egg whites (229, 10.78%), milk (130, 6.12%), and peanuts (99, 4.66%) being the most frequent sources. Sensitization to tree combinations, Ambrosia artemisiifolia , cat fur, and peanuts was significantly higher in boys compared to girls. Tree combinations, Ambrosia artemisiifolia , Artemisia argyi , house dust, cat fur, mold combinations, and Humulus scandens exhibited an increasing trend in sensitization rate with age, whereas egg whites, milk, and beef exhibited decreasing trends with age. The sensitization rates for tree combinations, house dust, and mutton displayed significant seasonal variations. Conclusions Sensitization to common allergens was prevalent among children in Kashi, although only a small number exhibited allergic symptoms. The sensitization rates for common allergens varied significantly based on sex, age and season. These results suggest that sIgE detection of specific allergens can aid in identifying triggering factors, which is crucial for preventing allergic diseases.