Gharbi Dorra, Neumann Frank Harald, Podile Keneilwe, McDonald Marinda, Linde Jo-Hanné, Frampton Megan, Liebenberg Jennifer Leigh, Cilliers Sarel, Mmatladi Tshiamo, Nkosi Phumelele, Paledi Keamogestswe, Piketh Stuart, Staats Jurgens, Burger Roelof P, Havenga Henno, Garland Rebecca M, Bester Petra, Lebre Pedro Humberto, Ricci Cristian
Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Front Allergy. 2025 Apr 15;6:1568669. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2025.1568669. eCollection 2025.
Data on allergic rhinitis and respiratory health metrics are limited for South Africa, with grass pollen as a key outdoor aeroallergen. Exotic trees such as plane trees and ragweed produce highly allergenic pollen, dominating indigenous trees and weeds. Pollen allergy prevalence data is lacking in cities of North-West province such as Potchefstroom.
This study aimed to (i) assess the prevalence of allergies to major aeroallergens, including Poaceae (grasses), (cypresses), (plane tree), (elm), (oak), (birch), (olive), (sagebrush), (amaranth), (plantain), (mulberry), and (ragweed), along with fungal spores such as , , and , and (ii) investigate the monthly incidence of major aeroallergens and reactivity levels in sensitized adults in Potchefstroom.
Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed on 202 adults aged 18-64 years with confirmed allergic symptoms during a field campaign at North-West University (NWU)'s Potchefstroom campus. A test panel of grass, weed, tree, and fungal spore extracts previously identified via aerobiological monitoring was used. Symptom scores were recorded using ISAAC questionnaires; 's statistical correlation between symptom frequency and monthly aeroallergen concentrations were analyzed.
Among the participants, 184 (91%) exhibited positive SPT reactions: 104 (57%) are monosensitized to pollen, 45 (24%) to fungal spores, and 35 (19%) are polysensitized. Aeroallergen prevalence was higher in females (73%) than in males (27%). The most common pollen allergens were (Bermuda grass) (85%), (maize) (46%), spp. (plane tree) (35%), and (field elm) (33%). Among fungal spores, was the most common (93%), followed by (27%). A significant and positive statistical correlation was found between allergic rhinitis symptoms and monthly pollen concentrations of , , , and .
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: This pilot study linked aeroallergens detected in Potchefstroom with allergy profiles of local residents. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive regional studies that integrate allergen testing with aerobiological data. Raising awareness and implementing health strategies are essential for managing allergic rhinitis in South Africa. More affordable and available SPTs kits, adapted to allergy prevalence in South Africa, are strongly suggested.
在南非，关于过敏性鼻炎和呼吸健康指标的数据有限，其中草花粉是主要的室外空气过敏原。悬铃木和豚草等外来树木产生高致敏性花粉，超过本土树木和杂草。西北省的城市如波切夫斯特鲁姆缺乏花粉过敏患病率数据。
本研究旨在（i）评估对主要空气过敏原的过敏患病率，包括禾本科（草类）、柏科（柏树）、悬铃木科（悬铃木）、榆科（榆树）、壳斗科（橡树）、桦木科（桦树）、木犀科（橄榄）、蒿属（艾草）、苋科（苋菜）、车前科（车前草）、桑科（桑树）和豚草科（豚草），以及真菌孢子如曲霉属、青霉属和链格孢属，（ii）调查波切夫斯特鲁姆致敏成年人中主要空气过敏原的月发病率和反应水平。
在西北大学（NWU）波切夫斯特鲁姆校区的一次实地活动中，对202名年龄在18 - 64岁且有确诊过敏症状的成年人进行了皮肤点刺试验（SPT）。使用了一个先前通过空气生物学监测确定的草、杂草、树木和真菌孢子提取物的测试面板。使用国际儿童哮喘和过敏研究（ISAAC）问卷记录症状评分；分析症状频率与月空气过敏原浓度之间的统计相关性。
在参与者中，184人（91%）表现出阳性SPT反应：104人（57%）对花粉单致敏，45人（24%）对真菌孢子致敏，35人（19%）为多致敏。女性的空气过敏原患病率（73%）高于男性（27%）。最常见的花粉过敏原是百慕大草（85%）、玉米（46%）、悬铃木属（35%）和野榆（33%）。在真菌孢子中，曲霉属最常见（占93%），其次是青霉属（占27%）。在过敏性鼻炎症状与百慕大草、玉米、悬铃木属和野榆的月花粉浓度之间发现了显著的正统计相关性。
这项初步研究将在波切夫斯特鲁姆检测到的空气过敏原与当地居民的过敏特征联系起来。研究结果强调需要进行更全面的区域研究，将过敏原检测与空气生物学数据相结合。提高认识和实施健康策略对于南非管理过敏性鼻炎至关重要。强烈建议提供更经济实惠且适用于南非过敏患病率的SPT试剂盒。
