Pollen Allergy in Saratov Region

Abstract

Background. To assess time trends in prevalence of pollen-related allergy in Saratov region during the last 3 decades . Materials and Methods. Agro-climatic, aerobiological monitoring (pollens of trees, grass, weeds were collected using gravimetric method and counts were done using a standardized protocol). Concentration of salts of heavy metals determined by means of mass - spectrometry in the pollen grains from plants, growing in city and village («dirty» and «clean» areas). Epidemiological (screening with questionnaire), clinical examination, skin tests were used to define the clinical diagnosis. Results. The pollen map of Saratov region has been changed because of climate, melioration and expansion of the Cyclachena xanthyfolia and other weeds. Detection of Pb, Zn,Cu,Ni in pollen grains collected from these plants in «dirty» areas showed that they accumulate heavy metals. The prevalence of pollinosis in 1977 in Saratov region was 1,4% , in 2002 -12,1%, in 2007-2,3%. Among all patients with pollen allergy 4,51% (1977), 5,2% (2002) and 16,0 % (2007) had positive skin tests with trees pollen allergens, 16,0, 36,7 and 29% -with grass pollen allergens and 78,5, 88,9 and 86,4 % -with weeds pollen allergens. Conclusion. Our results established increasing of pollinosis in Saratov region between 1977 and 2002, and there was a tendency towards stagnation in current symptoms of pollen-related allergy. High frequency of weeds allergens sensitization could be explained by allergenicity and prolonged blossoming period of new plants in this region.

Гербологическая Экспедиция В Томскую Область И Алтайский Край

“…Циклахена дурнишниколистная относится к числу наиболее аллергоносных растений [16], в этом заключается ее основной вред для человека. Массовое расселение этого сор няка может привести к продлению опасного для людей, склонных к аллергии, периода высокой концентрации пыльцы в воздухе.…”

“…Giant sumpweed belongs to the most allergy-producing plants [16], which is its main harm to people. Massive spreading of the weed can lead to a longer period of pollen high concentration in the air, dangerous for people prone to allergies.…”