Sensitization to blomia tropicalis , and to others aeroallergens: Relation to asthma and rhinitis in French Caribbean Island

Recent studies reported that global burden of asthma is continuing to rise, despite geographical variations. Sensitization to aeroallergens particularly house dust mite, is recognize to have an impact in both asthma and rhinitis. However, no data on sensitization to aeroallergens in epidemiological study have been previously reported in French Caribbean Islands (Guadeloupe). The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens, and its relation to both asthma and rhinitis in a representative sample of schoolchildren. Data from 30 randomly chosen primary schools including 1,713 children (9-11 years old) were obtained using a standardized protocol adapted from the second phase of the International Study of Asthma and Allergy Childhood (ISAAC). Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in classroom to usual aeroallergens and Blomia Tropicalis. Of 1,713 children, 12.7% had asthma, 15.9% rhinitis, and 20,2% both asthma and rhinitis. 23.2% had skin prick test positivity to one allergen. 15.3% had SPT positivity to Dermatophagoides Pter, 12.8% to Blomia Tropicalis, and 11.6% to Dermatophagoides Farinae. SPT to pollens was found in 4.4% of children and 4.3% to cockroach. Sensitization to Blomia Tropicalis and others house dust mite was associated significantly to rhinitis, OR adjusted = 2,40 (1,42-4,04). Sensitization to house dust mite, pollens and cockroach was significantly associated in children with both asthma and rhinitis. Our study showed that sensitization to both usual house dust mite and Blomia Tropicalis, is frequent in children with asthma and rhinitis, in a representative sample of schoolchildren in Guadeloupe.