Epidemiological and clinical aspects of food allergy in the pediatric population of western Algeria

Résumé

Background: The prevalence of food allergies has increased over recent decades; however, little is known about this issue in Algeria. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of food allergies in the urban area of Sidi-Bel-Abbés (western Algeria) and to describe their epidemiological and clinical features. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,000 children aged 0-15 years, recruited from the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Center of Sidi-Bel-Abbès. Results: The overall prevalence of food allergies was 2.6%. A statistically significant difference was observed between age groups (p= 0.019), with infants showing the highest prevalence (8.3%), which gradually decreased with age, reaching 1.5% among adolescents. Gender did not significantly influence the prevalence of food allergy (Male= 2,8% vs Female= 2,4%, p= 0.52). Clinical manifestations varied by age: atopic dermatitis was primarily observed in infants, while anaphylactic shocks and angioedema were more common in adolescence. The distribution of food allergens also varied with age: animal-derived allergens (cow's milk: 30.8%, egg: 11.6%, fish: 3.8%) were more common in younger children, while plant-derived allergens (Poaceae: 11.6%, Rosaceae: 15.4%, Leguminosae: 7.7%, Latex-fruit group: 3.8%, Apiaceae: 7.7%, Solanaceae: 3.8%, nut group: 3.8%) predominated in adolescents. Several factors were significantly associated with food allergy including a family history of atopy (p= 0.03), pollen allergy (p= 0.041), delayed food diversification (p= 0.023), and presence of asthma (p= 0.009). Conclusion: This study provided updated epidemiological data on food allergies in children in western Algeria, highlighting age-related variability in prevalence and clinical presentation.