Cross-sensitization to and pollen allergens in an area located outside of the current distribution range of .

INTRODUCTION

The role of long-distance transported (LDT) pollen in inducing new sensitization and affecting sensitization rates in -sensitized patients is unclear.

AIM

The aim of this study was to estimate the degree of cross-sensitization to a allergens in citizens of Poznan (Western Poland). This area is covered by extensive populations but does not currently have local populations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sera of 119 patients were tested by fluoroenzyme immunoassay (CAP-FEIA system) against pollen allergen extracts of and , an allergenic component of A. (), and an allergenic component of (). Skin prick tests (SPTs, = 86) were performed with pollen allergen extracts of and . and pollen in ambient air was collected (1996-2013) by a Hirst type volumetric trap sited at roof level (33 m).

RESULTS

The SPT showed that the prevalence of sensitization to and pollen exceeded 3.5%, and 10.5%, respectively. The measurements of IgE in blood serum (CAP-FEIA) revealed that among -sensitized patients 90.1% (20/22 patients) were concomitantly sensitized to . 59.1% (13/22) of these patients reacted to , suggesting primary sensitization to pollen. Only 2 (9.1%) patients were mono-sensitized to pollen extract, but surprisingly not to .

CONCLUSIONS

The LDT pollen had a negligible effect on the rate of sensitization to allergens in Poznan and did not increase the prevalence of sensitization to pollen in this region. However, the majority of patients showing hypersensitization to pollen might also present symptoms during elevated episodes of LDT of pollen.