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Allergy to oak pollen in North America
David I Bernstein1, Peter A Würtzen2, Lawrence DuBuske3
1From the Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oak pollen allergy is common in North America, affecting about 30% of allergic individuals. Oak pollen cross-reacts with birch pollen, impacting allergy immunotherapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Oak pollen (genus Quercus) is a significant North American allergen.
- Oak species are prevalent across the US, contributing substantially to airborne pollen loads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the oak pollen season, clinical and epidemiological aspects of oak allergy.
- To examine oak taxonomy and allergen cross-reactivity, focusing on North America.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive PubMed literature review was conducted.
- Selected publications covered oak pollen, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma.
Main Results:
- Oak pollen season starts in early spring, lasting over 100 days, with high pollen counts.
- Approximately 30% of allergic individuals in the US are sensitized to oak, correlating with increased allergy symptoms and healthcare utilization.
- Oak pollen allergens exhibit significant cross-reactivity with birch pollen allergens (Que a 1 and Bet v 1).
Conclusions:
- Oak pollen allergy is prevalent in North America with considerable clinical impact.
- Cross-reactivity between oak and birch allergens has implications for selecting allergens for allergy immunotherapy (AIT).
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