Prevalence of IgE-mediated sensitization in patients with suspected food allergic reactions in Jordan.

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.