[Cypress pollen allergy]

Area of Science:

• Botany and Allergy Research
• Focuses on the Cupressaceae family, including various cypress and juniper species.
• Highlights the prevalence and impact of cypress pollen as an allergen.

Context:

• Cupressaceae family, encompassing 140 species, is a major source of allergenic pollen.
• Pollination periods of key species like Cupressus sempervirens and Cupressus arizonica are extended by global warming.
• Cypress pollen is the primary pollinator in Mediterranean countries, contributing to half of the total pollen load.

Purpose:

• To review the significance of cypress pollen as an allergen.
• To discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of cypress allergy.
• To explore treatment and avoidance strategies for cypress allergy.

Summary:

• Cypress pollen allergy affects 5-13% of the general population and 9-35% of allergy clinic outpatients.
• Major allergens are group 1, with high cross-reactivity among Cupressaceae species.
• Risk factors include genetics, pollen exposure, and potentially air pollutants.
• A distinct subgroup of non-atopic individuals develops cypress allergy, characterized by later onset and monosensitization.

Impact:

• Cypress allergy prevalence is increasing, with a threefold rise observed in some studies.
• Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are the main clinical symptoms.
• Cross-reactivity with peach allergy is noted.
• Treatment options include avoidance and hyposensitization (sublingual route preferred).
• Community-level avoidance strategies involve using alternative plants or low-pollinating cypress varieties.