Common environmental allergens causing respiratory allergy in India.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Allergology
• Aerobiology

Background:

• Respiratory allergy impacts all age groups, with children being most vulnerable.
• Airborne biological particles (bioparticles) from diverse sources are primary causes of allergies.
• Identifying aeroallergen prevalence and variations is key for effective allergy diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the significant aeroallergens in India.
• To highlight the diversity of allergenic pollens, fungi, and other biological sources.
• To emphasize the importance of aeroallergen identification for public health.

Main Methods:

• Atmospheric surveys conducted across various regions of India.
• Identification and cataloging of prevalent pollen types, fungal spores, dust mites, and insects.
• Analysis of seasonal and annual variations of identified aeroallergens.

Main Results:

• Identified numerous allergenic pollens including Alanus nitida, Parthenium, and Prosopis juliflora.
• Cataloged significant fungal aeroallergens such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium.
• Highlighted the role of dust mites (D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus) and insects (cockroaches, flies) as key aeroallergens, especially in coastal areas.

Conclusions:

• India's diverse climate supports a wide range of allergenic flora and fauna.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aeroallergen distribution is essential for targeted allergy prevention and treatment strategies.
• Avoidance of indoor and outdoor aeroallergens is recommended for managing respiratory allergies effectively.