Seasonal asthma caused by airborne Platanus pollen

Abstract

This work describes three patients suffering from bronchial asthma after being naturally exposed to airborne plane-tree pollen. The three patients gave immediate response in skin tests and dual response in bronchial provocations using Platanus hybrida extract. There was specific seric IgE activity against this/these antigen(s) with the CAP system. The three patients also showed significant correlation (P < 0.001) between their rhinitis and asthma symptom-scores registered on their diary cards and plane-tree pollen counts, collected using the Burkard spore trap. Among 187 patients living in Madrid and who came to our centre with a history of rhinitis and/or seasonal asthma, we found a prevalence of positive skin-prick tests to Platanus of 56%, only surpassed by gramineous pollen (Dactylis glomerata and/or Trisetum paniceum) 92% and Olea europaea 63%. The aerobiological sampling of the pollen content of the air in Madrid, carried out between 1 January 1979 and 31 December 1993 revealed an airborne presence (per cent of total yearly pollen count, mean of 1979-1993) of 14.9% for the Platanus, 14.8% for grasses, 9.8% for Olea and 3.6% for Plantago. The Platanus is one of the most frequently found pollens in the atmosphere over Madrid. At present, in this geographical area, a high percentage of patients with pollinosis are sensitive to this pollen. At least in some of these patients Platanus pollen is capable of inducing rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

Inhalant Allergens in Portugal

“…However, this pollen type has been detected as an important cause of pollinosis in several cities of the Iberian Peninsula [38][39][40] . The elicitation of seasonal asthmatic symptomatology to plane tree pollen occurs during its flowering period that occurs mainly during the spring months [41] . central regions of Portugal.…”

The pollen spectrum of trees and shrubs in SW Spain (1987–1996)

“…Palmae and Citrus appeared at the beginning of March, when Platanus pollen also made a sudden appearance (in a few days its presence went from zero to amounts that could be higher than 1200 grains/m 3 , depending on the year) and then diminished (Table I). The work of Subiza et al (1994) reports an increase in pollinosis caused by Platanus pollen in Madrid, indicating that this plant should be taken into account when considering allergies. In the second fortnight of March, Pinaceae, Pistacia and Quercus types appeared in the air.…”

Development of a Sandwich-Type ELISA for Measuring Pla a 1, the Major Allergen of <i>Platanus acerifolia </i>Pollen

“…Although depending on the studied geographical area, its pollen is one of the most frequently found in pollen counts [3, 5], and a high percentage of patients with seasonal pollinosis are sensitive to it [1]. The quantification of major allergens has become an important goal for the standardization of allergen products intended for clinical use [17].…”

“…In recent years, an increasing prevalence of positive skin reactions to Platanus species has been reported [1, 2] which are now considered as some of the most important pollens producing pollinosis in Spain [3]. Moreover, a strong association has been observed between P. acerifolia pollinosis and food allergy [4,5,6].…”