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Cocos nucifera pollen inducing allergy: sensitivity test and immunological study
1Department of Biological Chemistry, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Calcutta, India.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Cocos nucifera pollen causes allergies in 2.65% of the general population and 47.06% of atopic patients. This pollen contains relevant allergens, CnII and CnVII, important for clinical allergy testing.
Area of Science:
- Allergology and Immunology
- Environmental Allergens
- Protein Biochemistry
Background:
- Cocos nucifera (coconut palm) pollen is a potential environmental allergen.
- Sensitization to C. nucifera pollen has been observed in allergic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of C. nucifera pollen sensitization in a population.
- To identify and characterize the allergenic components of C. nucifera pollen.
Main Methods:
- Population-based survey and atopic patient assessment.
- Skin prick tests, Phadezym RAST, and bronchial provocation tests.
- Protein fractionation using ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, followed by immunological analysis (ELISA-inhibition, immunoblot).
Main Results:
- 2.65% of the general population and 47.06% of atopic patients showed sensitization to C. nucifera pollen.
- Skin prick tests and RAST were positive in most sensitive patients.
- Bronchial provocation tests confirmed C. nucifera pollen's role in asthma.
- Two major allergenic protein fractions, CnII and CnVII, were identified.
Conclusions:
- C. nucifera pollen is a relevant allergen in allergic individuals.
- The identified allergenic fractions (CnII, CnVII) are significant for clinical diagnosis.
- C. nucifera pollen should be included in routine allergy testing panels.