Microbiota of Pinus Pollen as Adjuvant Factor of Allergy

Abstract

Bacteria, their endotoxin and mold found on pollen can be a reason of respiratory symptoms in sensitized individuals. This question concerns an anemophilous pollen more acute. In this work quantitative by dilution plating method and qualitative microbial analysis by MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper of pollen and other plants organs of Pinus sylvestris L., P. nigra Arnold, P. mugo Turra, P. armandii Franch., P. wallichiana A.B. Jacks from Nitra, Slovakia are performed which shows quantitative and species differences in mesophilic aerobic (0.00-6.27 log cfu/g) and anaerobic bacteria (0.00-3.70 log cfu/g), enterococci (0.00 log cfu/g), coliform bacteria (0.00-5.29 log cfu/g), lactobacilli (0.00-4.20 log cfu/g), microscopic fungi and yeasts (2.60-5.29 log cfu/g) content. Representatives of Pseudomonas (14), Bacillus (2), Acinetobacter (1), Arthrobacter (1), Pantoea (1), Klebsiella (1), Penicillium (6), Aspergillus (4), Cladosporium (1), Debaryomyces (1) genera were revealed on pine trees. The allergenic potential of the identified association of microorganisms on pollen has been evaluated based on published data. The results may be useful for aerobiologists, allergists and microbiologists, at least at the local level.