ISSN:
1398-9995
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background: The role of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) pollen as a cause of spring pollinosis in central Europe has received little attention. It is not clear whether ash pollen is a primary cause of sensitization or whether it is implicated through cross-sensitization to other pollens. Methods: Over a 22-month period, ash pollen was included in a screening series for inhalant allergies. Pollen data were documented from 1976 through 1999. The frequency of IgE-binding to the ash-specific allergen Fra e 1 and pollen panallergens, respectively, was compared by Western blot between mono- (n=6), oligo- (n=16), and polysensitized (n=25) patients. Results: Of 5416 consecutive patients sensitized to any pollen, 920 (17.6%) had a positive skin prick test to ash. Total pollen counts varied extensively between years (229–5351) as did peak concentrations (23–837 grains/m3/24 h). Western blotting revealed Fra e 1 sensitization in 100% of monosensitized, 93% of oligosensitized, but only 44% of polysensitized patients. IgE against profilins (Fra e 2), Ca-binding proteins (Fra e 3), and carbohydrate epitopes in the three groups was found in 0/0/17%, 0/19/31%, and 32/72/60%, respectively. At least 50% of sera from patients with Fra e 1 sensitization did not bind with the protein in Western blots under reducing conditions. Conclusions: Ash pollen should be considered a relevant factor and distinct entity in spring pollinosis. In all, only 20% of positive skin tests to ash appear to result from cross-sensitization to pollen panallergens.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00671.x
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