The association between airborne pollen monitoring and sensitization in the hot desert climate

Maryam A Al-Nesf,Blessing Reena Dason,Dorra Gharbi,Amjad Tuffaha,Salma Taha,Hisham A Sattar,Mehdi Adeli,Maria Del Mar Trigo,Hassan M Mobayed,Ramzy Mohammed Ali

doi:10.1186/s13601-020-00339-6

Maryam A Al-Nesf, Blessing Reena Dason + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-020-00339-6

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Abstract

BackgroundPollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited.MethodsThe study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms. An aerobiological survey was started on May 8, 2017. Airborne pollen was collected using two Hirst type seven-day recorder volumetric traps. Skin prick test in patients attending allergy clinics in Doha using commercial extracts was conducted.ResultsTwenty-five pollen types representing the native, as well as the introduced plants, with a relatively low daily mean concentration were observed from May 2017 to May 2019. The highest pollen concentrations were reached by Amaranthaceae (58.9%), followed by Poaceae (21.7%). SPT revealed a comparatively higher degree of sensitization to pollen. Among 940 patients, 204 were sensitized to pollen (54% female) with 135 (66.2%) and 114 (55.8%) to Amaranthaceae and Poaceae, respectively. Some patients had polysensitization. There was a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae, and asthma (r = 0.169, P = 0.016) and allergic rhinitis (r = 0.177, P = 0.012).ConclusionsThis is the first study to monitor airborne pollen in the state of Qatar. The main pollen detected were Amaranthaceae and Poaceae. Pollen may represent a possible exacerbating factor in adult patients with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Highlights

The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis is high and increasing in western countries [1]
There is a body of evidence suggesting that the prevalence of respiratory allergic reactions induced by pollen has been increasing in the most developed countries, especially in North America and Europe [3, 4].Understanding pollen emission dynamics is fundamental for the characterization of potential allergens that may be of greater health relevance in both natural and inhabited areas [5]
Aerobiological pollen records During the study period (May 2017–May 2019), low pollen concentrations were recorded in both sampling sites due to the low-density cover vegetation typical of arid area

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis is high and increasing in western countries [1]. The Qatari population has a high prevalence of diagnosed asthma (19.8%), allergic rhinitis (30.5%), and atopic dermatitis (22.5%) in children and adults [2]. Allergic diseases related to pollen are called pollinosis and include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. There is a body of evidence suggesting that the prevalence of respiratory allergic reactions induced by pollen has been increasing in the most developed countries, especially in North America and Europe [3, 4].Understanding pollen emission dynamics is fundamental for the characterization of potential allergens that may be of greater health relevance in both natural and inhabited areas [5]. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited

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Results

Conclusion