Rape pollen allergy

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Environmental Health
• Botany

Background:

• Rapeseed (Brassica napus) cultivation is widespread in southern and central Sweden.
• Rapeseed has a prolonged blooming period from early May to late June, increasing potential allergen exposure.
• Allergic manifestations, including bronchial asthma and hay fever, are prevalent in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency and clinical significance of rape pollen allergy in patients with allergic diseases in southern Sweden.
• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of skin tests and provocation tests for rape pollen allergy.

Main Methods:

• Intracutaneous (i.c.) skin tests were performed on 366 consecutive patients with allergic manifestations.
• Positive skin test reactors were further evaluated with provocation tests.
• Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) is mentioned as an alternative diagnostic method.

Main Results:

• Rape pollen allergy was identified in 23% of the patient cohort (85 out of 366 patients).
• Of 54 patients with positive skin tests, 81% showed positive results in provocation tests, confirming clinical reactivity.
• A significant association between symptoms during the rapeseed flowering season and positive tests was implied.

Conclusions:

• Rape pollen allergy is a frequent cause of allergic symptoms in regions with rapeseed cultivation.
• Intracutaneous skin tests and provocation tests are effective diagnostic tools for identifying rape pollen allergy.
• Patients experiencing hay fever or asthma symptoms during the rapeseed blooming season should be screened for this allergy.