Associations among pollen sensitizations from different botanical species in patients living in the northern area of Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the existence of associations among sensitizations to antigens produced by pollen grains of different botanical species as assessed by skin prick tests in patients with respiratory disorders. METHODS: Six hundred twenty nine consecutive patients living in the northern area of Madrid who underwent clinical evaluation because of rhinoconjunctivitis, and/or asthma were studied. All patients were tested with a skin prick test using a battery of inhalants including pollens, dust mites, molds and danders. The exploratory multivariate technique of Multiple Correspondence Analysis was used to compare the homogeneity of sensitizations between groups. Of the 629 patients, 459 (73.0%) had positive skin prick tests to pollen and were selected as the study group. RESULTS: The most prevalent pollen sensitization was to Gramineae pollen (83.7%) followed by Oleaceae sensitisation (75.8%). Multiple Correspondence Analysis revealed the existence of an association among pollen sensitizations, showing that they clustered two groups: sensitizations to Gramineae, Oleaceae, Cupressaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Plantaginaceae (group I), and sensitizations to Betulaceae, Platanaceae, Compositae (group II). Sensitization to Parietaria was not included in any of the sensitization groups and showed an independent behaviour. CONCLUSION: Pollen sensitizations in our area cluster into two association groups which have not previously been reported.

[Epidemiologic investigation of the pollen allergy to Cupressaceae in a population at risk for atopy]. / Indagine epidemiologica sulla pollinosi da Cupressacee in un campione di popolazione a rischio di atopia.

The so-called emerging allergens have gained particular interest as causes of atopic diseases, and among these the cypress pollen. In fact, several allergens derived from the Cupressaceae family have appeared for the first time in new environments, thus causing unexpected phenomena. From May 2002 to May 2003 we have examined 560 patients who sought medical attention at the Center for allergic diseases in children. The patients came from various towns and villages from Southern Sardinia and all had undergone prick tests for inhaled allergens, irrespective of their complaints. The presenting symptoms were either respiratory (wheezing cough, rhinitis, asthma), cutaneous (eczema, nettle rash, angioedema) or ocular (conjunctivitis). All patients had a prick test for pollens (cypress, olive, wall pellitory, rag weed, composite, mix gross pollen), acari (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus), dog and cat hair, and fungi (alternaria alternata, aspergillus fumigatus). Thirteen percent of patients (73/547) resulted allergic to cypress pollen, and three of them had a mono-allergy (4,1%). Among these, one suffered bronchospasm, rhinitis and asthma more severe in January-February associated with recurring small eczematous lesions. Another one suffered bronchial asthma during winter months and the last one complained of rhinitis and nasal itching also during winter months.

An epidemiological survey of Cupressaceae pollenosis in Italy.

Allergic reaction to Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae pollens appears to be on the increase in the last years in Italy. An epidemiological survey on this pollenosis was conducted in 12 Italian centers. The diagnostic panel consisted of seven Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae genus (Cupressus sempervirens, Cupressus arizonica, Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Thuja orientalis, Taxus baccata, and Juniperus oxycedrus). A total of 3057 pollen-sensitized outpatients were examined. The study took place from November 1999 to March 2000. At the same time pollen counts were carried out. The prevalence of positive skin tests to the diagnostic panel is different in northern (9.2%), central (28.2%), and southern (20.1%) Italy, the general average being 18.4%. The average age of sensitized patients was 36.99. Monosensitized patients represent only 14.7% of total Cupressaceae-sensitized patients, their average age being higher than the polysensitized ones (43.3 versus 35.86). Distribution of symptoms is as follows: rhinitis (49%), conjunctivitis (32%), asthma (16%), and dermatitis (3%). Months with the highest levels of symptoms are February and March. The more frequent allergens at prick tests are Cupressus sempervirens (90%) and Cupressus arizonica (88.9%). The more reactive allergens are the Cupressus arizonica and Juniperus oxycedrus. The clinical data suggest that, in Italy at least, this pollenosis is on the increase. The use of more than one extract of Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae genus increases the diagnostic sensitivity of the disease.

[Investigation of pollens, fungal spors and other materials in houst dust of Isparta]. / Isparta'daki ev tozlarinda polen, mantar sporu ve diger materyallerin Arastirilmasi.

In this study allergic materials in house dusts collected from preselected stations in Isparta between April 1996 and March 1997 are investigated. Ten stations were preselected for the study. Dusts vacuumed in vacuum cleaners are collected regularly from selected houses every month. Preparations were prepared with Wodehouse method. These preparations were investigated microscopically and diagnosis and counts of pollens, fungal spors, plant tissues, and starch particles per 4 cm(2) in respect to months are performed. Obtained results are transformed to allergic material per square centimeters and are shown with tables and graphics. As a result, pollens belonging to 44 taxons are detected in Isparta house dusts. Annual total pollen per cm(2) is found as 277.5. Among these pollens most frequently seen are Pinaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae and Cupressaceae respectively. While starch is first in order (2224/cm(2)), plant tissues are seen 133/cm(2) and fungal spors are seen 17.1/cm(2). Allergic pollens for Isparta are Poaceae, Asteraceae and Cupressaceae and as the other, fungal spors. We believe that our results will be helpful for the physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic disorders.