Zakaria Zidane
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Research Center of Biotechnologies and Health, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M´sik, Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, B.P 7955, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Chaimaa Chahine
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Research Center of Biotechnologies and Health, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M´sik, Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, B.P 7955, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Karima Mohtadi
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Research Center of Biotechnologies and Health, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M´sik, Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, B.P 7955, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Azeddine Chakroun
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Research Center of Biotechnologies and Health, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M´sik, Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, B.P 7955, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Rachid Saïle
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Research Center of Biotechnologies and Health, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M´sik, Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, B.P 7955, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Ahmed Aziz Bousfiha
Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Inflammation and Allergies, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Medicine, 19 Rue Tarik Ibnou Ziad, BP 9154, Casablanca, Morocco
Maria Rkain
Pediatric Service, University Hospital Mohammed VI, Oujda, Morocco
Sanae Elimlahi Chaer
Liberal Sector Allergologists, Casablanca, Rabat and Oujda, Morocco
Youness El Gueddari
Liberal Sector Allergologists, Casablanca, Rabat and Oujda, Morocco
Mohammed Hbibi
Pediatric Service, University Hospital Hassan II, Fès, Morocco
Laila Tazi Daoudi
Liberal Sector Allergologists, Casablanca, Rabat and Oujda, Morocco
Ibtihal Benhsaien
Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Inflammation and Allergies, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Medicine, 19 Rue Tarik Ibnou Ziad, BP 9154, Casablanca, Morocco
Naima Elhafidi
Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, University of Mohammed V de Rabat, Faculty of Medicine of Rabat, Impasse Souissi, Rabat 10100, Morocco
Hanane Salih Alj
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Research Center of Biotechnologies and Health, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M´sik, Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, B.P 7955, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Abstract
Introduction: this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and management of food allergies (FA) and drug allergies (DA) in Morocco. Sparse and conflicting epidemiological data exist on the exact prevalence of allergies in the country. The rise in allergies can be attributed to various factors.
Methods: the study analyzed data from patients with suspected FA and DA who sought medical attention. Statistical tests were used to analyze the data, percentages were computed for qualitative variables, and for quantitative variables, medians or means accompanied by standard deviations (SD) were calculated. The Chi-square test was employed to assess categorical variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Cow's milk was the most reported food allergen (58.2%), followed by egg and nuts (23.4% and 12.1%, respectively). The most affected age group was children under 5 years. Antibiotics were the leading cause of reported drug allergies (44.8%), particularly Beta-lactams. Immediate reactions were commonly associated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms of FA included acute urticaria, vomiting, anaphylactic shock, and facial edema. Urticaria was the most frequent symptom of DA. Antihistamines and corticosteroids were the main treatments used for both FA and DA.
Conclusion: the prevalence of FA and DA in Morocco remains uncertain due to limited data. There is a need for centralized data collection and awareness among clinicians and the general population regarding allergies. The study highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and management of allergies to ensure patient safety. The findings emphasize the necessity of establishing a mandatory center for allergy care in Morocco to improve the understanding and management of allergic conditions.
