[Prevalence of hypersensitivity to Cupressus pollen in allergic patients in Monterey, Mexico]

Cupressus pollen is one of the main causes of allergic respiratory disease in North America. In a previous study of pollen concentration in Monterrey, Cupressus occupied the 3rd place in frequency.

To know the sensitization to Cupressus in patients treated at our center.

We conducted an observational, cross-sectional and prospective study, with a questionnaire to assess potential exposure and allergic symptoms to pollen, skin tests with allergen extract of Cupressus 1:20 dilution, and skin tests with others 36 aeroallergens in our hospital.

We did Cupressus skin test in 256 patients (136 women), 130 younger than 18 years old and 126 adults. The skin test was positive in 39 patients (15.2%). Of the 36 aeroallergens tested, Cupressus occupied the 7th place in frequency. Of the 130 under 18 years, only 10 (7.7%) had a positive skin test. Among the other 129 adults, 29 (22.5%) had a positive skin test (p = 0.001). Patients with a positive skin test Cupressus had at least one positive skin test to other aeroallergen in 97% of cases (p = 0.001).

Cupressus sensitization in our study group was high (15.2%). The routine use of allergen extract of Cupressus should be considered in patients with respiratory allergy. However, it is necessary to determine precisely the prevalence of sensitization and its possible clinical implications.