Prevalence of allergic sensitization to conifer pollen in a high cypress exposure area.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sensitization to Pinales (Cupressaceae and Pinaceae) has increased dramatically in recent years. The prevalence of sensitization in different geographic areas is related to exposure to specific pollens.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of allergy to different conifer pollens, describe the characteristics of patients with such allergy, and identify the involved allergens.

Methods

Patients were recruited at five hospitals near Madrid. Extracts from conifer pollen were prepared and used in skin-prick testing. Wheal sizes were recorded, and serum samples obtained from patients with positive reactions to Cupressus arizonica and/or Pinus pinea. The specific immunoglobulin E value to C. arizonica and Cup a 1 was determined. Individual immunoblots for each

SUBMITTER: Dominguez-Ortega J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5244279 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature