RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the serum total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) to common allergens among allergic patients in Guangzhou, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>7 085 patients were examined for tIgE and sIgE to 15 allergens, based on the protocols of reversed enzyme allergosorbent test and the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>3 758 (53.04%) patients tested positive for tIgE, and 4 640 (65.49%) for sIgE. Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, eggs, and cow's milk were the most common allergens leading to higher positive rates of sIgE responses. Several peaks of sensitization were: Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, and Blomia tropicalis at age 10-12; cow's milk at age below 3; eggs at age 4-6. The mean level and positive rate of tIgE tended to increase in subjects sensitized to more allergens. Sensitization to Der pteronyssinus (OR, 1.6; P<0.05), Der farinae (OR, 1.5; P<0.05), Blomia tropicalis (OR, 1.4; P<0.05), Blattella germanica (OR, 1.5; P<0.05), cow's milk (OR, 1.3; P<0.05), and soy beans (OR, 2.0; P<0.05) were independently correlated with allergy-related conditions in preliminary diagnosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The major allergens in Guangzhou include Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, cow's milk, and eggs. Sensitization to these allergens appears to be predictors of allergy-related disorder.</p>