The importance of the stationary and individual pollen monitoring for the diagnostic of pollen allergy

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate pollen seasons of selected taxa with particular reference to allergic taxa such as birch (<i>Betula</i> sp.), grasses (Poaceae), mugwort (<i>Artemisia</i> sp.) in Cracow in 2003 and 2004 (project number 3 PO5D 034 24 funded by the State Committee for Scientific Research). Pollen concentrations obtained using the stationary Burkard trap and personal Partrap FA 52 were compared. The volumetric method was used in the study. Average daily concentrations (pollen grains × m<sup>-3</sup>) were obtained by counting pollen grains every hour along 4 longitudinal transects and applying an appropriate conversion factor. Duration of the pollen season was determined using the 95% method. Variations in annual totals of pollen grains (birch and mugwort), in start dates (especially for grasses) and in the season duration (birch and grasses) were found. The comparison of pollen concentrations obtained using the stationary and personal traps at the same place showed non statistically significant correlation for all the studied taxa and statistically significant correlations for birch, mugwort and grasses (Spearman rank correlation). However, the statistically significant differences between the concentrations obtained using Burkard and Partrap carried by patients (Wilcoxon's test) were noted. Very low concentrations of pollen grains measured indoor (work, flats) and the influence of the local plants growing in separate place (courtyard of the Allergology Department) on the pollen concentration were found.