Sensitization to common aeroallergens in a population of young adults in a sub-Saharan Africa setting: a cross-sectional study

Background: Sensitization to aeroallergens increases the risk of developing asthma or allergic rhinitis. Data on sensitization to airborne allergens in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of sensitization to common aeroallergens in a population of young adults. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Douala between 1st February and 30th April 2014. We consecutively recruited all the students present in class or in hospital during our visit. They filled an anonymous questionnaire and underwent skin prick tests with common aeroallergens. A logistic regression model of the SPSS. 20 software was used to investigate factors associated with sensitization to common aeroallergens. Results: Of the 600 students included in the study, 305 ( 50.8 %) were female. The mean age of participants was 22.6 +/- 2.7 years. The prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens was 42.8 % ( 95 % CI 38.8-46.8). Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus ( 24.2 %), Dermatophagoides farinae ( 22.8 %), Blomia tropicalis ( 23.3 %) and Blatella germanica ( 15.2 %) were the most common allergens found. Allergic rhinitis, asthma symptoms and family atopy were independently associated to sensitization to common aeroallergens. Conclusion: A significant proportion of young adults are sensitized to common aeroallergens. Dust mites and cockroach should be included in the panel of aeroallergens in Cameroon.