Self-reported prevalence of clinical features of allergy to nuts and seeds, and seafood in university students

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, there is a lack of epidemiological information related to food hypersensitivity, including nuts and seafood. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the prevalence of allergic reactions and clinical manifestations associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds or seafood in university students. METHODS: We designed an observational cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was applied to Mexican university students to identify allergic reactions associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood. RESULTS: A sample of 1,200 students was included; mean age of 19.7 ± 1.7 years. Prevalence of symptoms associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood were 2.8% (33 of 1,200) and 3.5% (42 of 1,200) respectively. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (63.6% in nuts and seeds), flushing (50% in seafood), and pharyngeal oppression (19% in seafood). Prevalence of perceived, probable and systemic allergy to nuts and seeds was 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%–3.0%), 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%–1.3%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0%–0.4%) respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence (perceived, probable, and systemic) associated with seafood consumption was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5%–4.5%), 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0%–2.5%), and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%–0.9%). Walnut and shrimp were the most frequently reported foods. CONCLUSION: For every 100 Mexican university students, approximately 3 or 4 perceived to have allergy attributed to the consumption of some nuts and seeds or seafood, while 1 or 2 students would have a probable reaction to this same type of food. Walnut and shrimp would be causing the higher quantity of food allergic reactions.

Self-report prevalence and associated factors to drug hypersensitivity in Mexican young adults

BACKGROUND: Drug hypersensitivity is defined as any unfavorable reaction that occurs after the administration of any drug. It may or may not be mediated by the involvement of the immune system. Epidemiological data related to drug hypersensitivity reactions in our country are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of drug hypersensitivity in a group of young adults, as well as to identify associated factors. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was applied to young people aged 18 to 25 years. The instrument was oriented to identify reactions of drug hypersensitivity, as well as the most prevalent drugs involved. In addition, a personal and family history of atopic diseases was included. Analysis for associations between variables was been done through logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of drug hypersensitivity reactions was 12% (144 of 1,200). The antibiotics were the agents most related to hypersensitivity reactions (9.8%) followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.6%). Factors associated with drug hypersensitivity were a personal history of asthma, odds ratio (OR) 3.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–6.91), maternal and paternal history of drug hypersensitivity, OR 2.33 (95% CI, 1.21–4.48) and OR 3.11 (95% CI, 1.22–7.92), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this research show that drug hypersensitivity in young adults is a highly prevalent event and it is associated with personal history of asthma and history of drug hypersensitivity in parents.