Reactivity to Conocarpus tree pollen in patients with respiratory allergic diseases in the south-western part of Iran

Abstract

Aeroallergens are known as the major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to the pollen of Conocarpus erectus trees and to find the association between the indoor and outdoor aeroallergens in the patients. In the present case series multicentre study, 104 patients with respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis and asthma who were referred to the Bushehr University allergy clinic participated. The SPT was applied by using the extract of Conocarpus erectus pollen and the other allergens to determine the patients’ reactivity. The frequency of positive sensitivity to Conocarpus erectus pollen was 61 (58.6%) and it was 62.5%, 55.7%, and 53.8% for the tree pollen allergens Citrus X Sinensis, Morus rubra, and Phoenix dactylifera, respectively. In addition, the maximum frequency of sensitivity to other aeroallergens was with house dust mite (HDM) (78.8%), Salsola kali; 71.2%), and cockroach (71.2%). The maximum frequency of reactivity to food allergens was with egg yolk (37.6%), shrimp (37%), and beef (34.6%). This study concludes that the frequency of sensitivity to Conocarpus erectus pollen was high and similar to the pollen allergens of other trees that are widely cultivated in southern Iran. Green spaces are the key element of urban management, and the interaction between citizens and the environment, as well as promoting human health are very effective. Therefore, the lack of planning in urban populations in the choice of ornamental species can be a triggering factor, especially in patients with respiratory allergies.