Investigation on the Effect of Age and Gender on Hypersensitivity Reactions due to Allergens Injection in Iraqi Population

Hyperactivity of the immune system due to the insertion of allergens into the living body has been known as an allergic reaction. Some substances, such as pollen grains, insects' venom, house dust mite, foods, and medicines, can induce allergic responses. Therefore, this study was designed to shed light on the role of gender and age in allergic reactions resulting from some organic and chemical allergens. A total of 200 individuals participated in this study, including 70 males and 130 females. A skin test was performed by subcutaneously injecting allergens, namely amoxicillin, cefotaxine, gentamicin, Vespula spp., and Apis mellifera. All the chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich unless otherwise stated. The spot of injection was sterilized by ethyl alcohol (70%) and well dried; subsequently, 0.05 mL of each allergen (antigen) was injected via a 1-mL medical syringe. The results showed that 140 cases were allergic. Anti-cefotaxine occupied the highest percentage among the studied drug allergens. The highest percentage of males (37.5%) that were allergic was at the age range of 28-35 years, whereas the highest percentage of females (18.5%) that were allergic was at the age range of 17-27 years. Sensitivity to amoxicillin accounted for 12.5% of males at the age range of 28-37 years and 3.7% of females at the age range of 17-27 years. Gentamicin triggered the highest percentage of sensitivity in 12.5% and 7.4% of males and females aged 48-57 years and 17-27 years, respectively. The results showed that honey bees had the highest percentage of total sensitivity at 40%. The highest sensitivity rate stood at 37.5% in males at the age range of 28-37 years and 18.5% in females at the age range of 17-27 years. Wasps recorded a total sensitivity rate of 17.1%, with the highest percentage at 37.5% in males who were aged 17-27 years and 3.7% in females at the age ranges of 17-27 and 48-57 years. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that there were significant (P≤0.05) differences for all allergens that were studied regarding gender and age.