Skin test in allergic diseases: a systematic review

Aims: To identify the major allergens used in skin tests for atopic sensitization in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify clinical studies in the past 10 years whose outcomes included the skin test (prick test) in the diagnosis of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases were searched and articles that addressed the direct use of skin testing in the diagnosis of allergic diseases were included. In addition, the studies had to describe the protocol and the allergens used in the test. For selection of the articles, three researchers independently analyzed the inclusion criteria, which were analyzed by two other reviewers. Results: Thirteen instruments were included in the systematic review, and the amount of reagents used varied significantly (between 3 and 36). Of the 36 reagents, five had the highest frequency of positive sensitization (Artemisia vulgaris, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dog and cat epithelia). As part of the application protocol, the forearm and the period of 15-20 minutes are the most frequently used. Conclusions: The most frequently detected allergens were described, and both the region and the studied population are important factors to be considered.