Sensitization to Peach tree pollen in a non-exposed population

Abstract

Sensitization to airborne moulds may be a risk factor for severe asthma and fatal exacerbation METHODS: A prospective, one-year period (April 2016-March 2017), study looking at the patterns of sensitization to common allergens in relation to severe asthma exacerbation mong adult asthmatics who are coming in acute exacerbations at Al-Rashed Allergy Centre in Kuwait. Data were collected from patient's records (skin prick test, FEV1, ACT).Patients with FEV1<60% of predicted and ACT<15 were included. Daily counts of local pollens (Salsola kali, Bermuda grass) and moulds (Aspergilus, Alternaria and Cladosporium) were obtained from the aerobiology department. Daily metrological parameters (atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity level, wind speed) were provided by Kuwait Environment Public Authority RESULTS: We had 676 patients with severe asthma exacerbation, 86.39% of them were atopic. Sensitization to pollens only and/or to moulds (mono and polysensitised) was found in 146(25.0%) of patients, while 13(2.23%) were monosensitized to moulds only.We had more exacerbations in patients sensitised to moulds (p<0.0) in February, and more patients sensitised to Salsola kali (p<0.05) in December. There was a significant positive correlation between total number of asthma patients and number of asthma exacerbations (Spearman r50,7343; 95CI: 0,2591 to 0,9233; p50.0087). However, the correlation between asthma exacerbations in patients monosensitised to mould only and to pollens only was not statistically significant (p5 0.5493). Temperature correlated significantly with allergens concentration. Atmospheric pressure correlated significantly with the concentration of Alternaria and Aspergilus CONCLUSIONS: Although the rate of allergen sensitization is high, moulds play a minor role in asthma exacerbation