OBJECTIVETo determine the distribution of allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis during the past 5 years in Shanghai area, and provide clinical reference for management strategies with regional character.

METHODSPatients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis were given skin prick test (SPT) from June 2005 to May 2010. Among the patients, the distribution of all allergens was analyzed. The positive rate was compared with age, gender, season, and so on.

RESULTSAmong 4637 individuals, the total positive rate of SPT was 62.84%. Dust mites were identified as the mostly responsible allergens. There was significant difference of variation with seasons (χ2=93.581, P<0.01), the highest rate was found in autumn and the lowest was found in spring. There was significant difference of the positive rate in different months (χ2=112.001, P<0.01), the most in October. There was a negative correlation between the positive rate and age (r=-0.792, P<0.01). The response intensity to dust mite allergy was decreased with age increased (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSDust mites were identified as the most common allergens among patients with allergic rhinitis during the past 5 years in Shanghai area. The younger group had the tendency of higher positive rate and response intensity than the elder. The positive rates of dust mites varied with different seasons.