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Hypersensitivity to pollen allergens on the Adriatic coast
Slavica Cvitanović1, Ljubo Znaor, Dubravka Perisić
1Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Clinical Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia. slavicacvitanović@hotmail.com
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|August 3, 2004
Summary
Airborne pollen levels in Split, Croatia, were dominated by Parietaria officinalis. Many patients with respiratory allergies showed hypersensitivity to local pollens, indicating a need for further allergen identification.
Area of Science:
- Aerobiology
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The Adriatic coast presents a unique environment with diverse airborne pollen.
- Understanding local pollen prevalence is crucial for managing allergic respiratory diseases.
- Previous studies on Adriatic pollen allergenicity are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a pollination calendar for Split, Croatia.
- To determine air concentrations of various pollens.
- To investigate patient hypersensitivity to local Adriatic pollen allergens.
Main Methods:
- Airborne pollen sampling and quantification in Split during 1994.
- Skin prick testing on 3,500 patients with allergic respiratory symptoms.
- Utilized both standard commercial allergens and newly prepared individual pollen allergens.
Main Results:
- Parietaria officinalis dominated pollen concentrations, followed by Pistacia lentiscus, Olea europaea, and others.
- Approximately 30% of patients were allergic to standard pollen allergens.
- A significant portion of patients (36%) showed no reaction to standard allergens but reacted to newly prepared individual allergens, highlighting regional specificities.
Conclusions:
- Pollen profiles in Split are characterized by high levels of Parietaria officinalis and other Mediterranean species.
- A considerable percentage of allergic patients exhibit hypersensitivity to local Adriatic pollens not covered by standard allergen panels.
- Further research is essential for identifying, isolating, and characterizing novel pollen allergens along the Adriatic coast.