The allergies in Kosova: Characteristics, types, and clinical manifestations.

BACKGROUND

Allergic diseases substantially impair quality of life and represent a growing public health concern worldwide. Despite the increasing clinical burden in Southeastern Europe, epidemiological data from Kosova remain scarce. This study provides the first clinic-based assessment of allergen sensitization patterns, demographic distribution, and clinical manifestations among allergic patients in Kosova.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinical and University Center of Kosova from 2018 to 2021. Data were collected through a validated, specialist-administered questionnaire adapted for local use. For children ≤ 10 years, information provided by parents was verified through clinical evaluation and specific IgE testing. Diagnoses were confirmed using in vitro-specific IgE assays for pollen (tree, grass, weed), dust mites, molds, animal dander, and common food allergens.

RESULTS

Among 400 participants, 295 (73.8%) showed confirmed sensitization. The most frequent allergens were pollen (36.6%), dust (25.4%), food (15.6%), mold (11.9%), and domestic animals (9.8%). Younger age (0-14 years) was independently associated with higher odds of sensitization (adjusted OR ≈ 2.1; P < 0.05), while sex differences were significant only within certain age groups. Approximately one-third of patients demonstrated multiple sensitizations with overlapping clinical features.

Conclusion

This first epidemiological study of allergies in Kosova reveals sensitization patterns comparable to European data and highlights the need for national guidelines, the development of local pollen calendars, and improved allergy diagnosis and management services. As this was a main, but single-center, clinical-based study, the findings may not fully represent the entire population of Kosova.