[Sensitization to pollens of Oleaceae family in a group of patients from Mexico City].

BACKGROUND

In Mexico City, where the Olive trees are scarce, the Oleaceae family has been recognized as one of the most important causes of pollen allergy, possibly related to cross-reactivity with other pollens of the Oleaceae family, as Fraxinus excelsior, Ligustrum vulgaris and Osmanthus americanus.

OBJECTIVE

To know the prevalence of sensitization to the Oleaceae family in Mexico City, cross-reactivity, as well as concurrent sensitizations, and vegetables and fruits associated to oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A prospective, longitudinal study was carried out during two months, among patients who attended the outpatient allergy clinic of the General Hospital of Mexico with symptoms suggestive of respiratory allergy. A questionnaire to search OAS was used, and skin Prick tests to pollens were performed.

RESULTS

Among 279 patients, 164 (58.8%) had respiratory allergy and positive skin prick test (SPT) to pollens. Olea europaea had the highest prevalence of SPT reactivity (52.4%), followed by Fraxinus excelsior (43.3%), Ligustrum vulgaris (36.6%) and Osmanthus americanus (15.9%). There were OAS in 53.5%, 50.7%, 50% and 53.8%, respectively, mainly related to peach, apple, kiwi, pear and banana. Olive monosensitization was found in 5.5%.

CONCLUSION

In this study, Olea europaea had the highest prevalence of positive reactivity to pollens in Mexico City, then its sensitization must be determined routinely.