Abstract: Objective To investigate the common allergens of bronchial asthma in Beijing area.Methods Twenty four different allergens produced by Allergopharma Merck Pharmaceutical Co. were used for skin prick tests with saline as negative comparison and histamine as positive control.Results Among the 210 patients studied, the positive rates of the Dermatophagoides farinae and pterongssinus were 57.14% and 58.57% respectively. Positive rate of the dermatophagoides farinae and pterongssinus were 50.51% and 57.73% respectively in the asthma group complicate with allergic rhinitis, while in the uncomplicated asthma group, the Dermatophagoides farinae and pterongssinus were 62.83% and 59.29% respectively. The positive rate of mugwort pollen was 30.95%, and that giant ragweed was 28.5%, Inhalant allergens of next importance were moulds and animal denders. Shrimps, milk and eggs were common food allergens.Conclusion Dermatophagoides farinae and pterongssinus are the most common allergens in Beijing area, however, the allergens of mugwort and giant ragweed have becoming increasingly important in recent years. Allergen skin prick tests provide a significant basis for the diagnosis and management of asthma. It is safe and easy to operate and can be used for detecting multiply allergens simultaneously.

Key words: allergen, asthma