Sensitization to bald cypress and cross-reactivity with red cedar in Northeastern Georgia

Abstract

Bald cypress, Taxodium distichum, is a deciduous conifer that grows in wet soils across the Eastern United States. 1 Weber R.W. Bald cypress. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006; 96: A6 Abstract Full Text PDF Google Scholar , 2 Lewis W.H. Vinay P. Zenger V.E. Airborne and Allergenic Pollen of North America. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD1983 Google Scholar , 3 Kagen S. Lewis W. Levetin E. Aeroallergen PhotoLibrary of North America. in: 2004: 140 Google Scholar , 4 US Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service. 2010. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LANovember 29, 2010 Google Scholar Previous studies have shown that its pollen is allergenic, producing rhinitis symptoms in patients undergoing nasal challenge. [5] Bucholtz G.A. Lockey R.F. Serbousek D. Bald cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) pollen, an allergen. Ann Allergy. 1985; 55: 805-810 PubMed Google Scholar We could not discern from the existing literature whether the extent of cross-reactivity between bald cypress and red cedar was sufficient to allow testing patients with only red cedar, as is our current practice, or whether testing with both red cedar and bald cypress would enhance patient care. Given the high prevalence of bald cypress in our region and an intense spring tree pollen season, we believed this was a clinically important question for the Southeastern United States. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization to bald cypress and to assess the extent of bald cypress cross-reactivity with red cedar, both members of the cypress family (Cupressaceous). [6] Schwietz L.A. Goetz D.W. Whisman B.A. Reid M.J. Cross-reactivity among conifer pollens. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2000; 84: 87-93 Abstract PubMed Scopus (60) Google Scholar