The role of tree pollens in the development of respiratory allergy in Bulgaria

摘要

Tree allergy is common for patients in Bulgaria.The aim of this study is to determine which of the tree species, typical for Bulgaria, dominate for sensitization in a group of patients with respiratory allergy during tree pollen season.We performed aerobiological study to monitor total amount and the proportion of the tree pollen during last three years. A group of 145 patients was skin prick tested with a mix of tree allergens and with individual tree pollen allergens.Results demonstrate that the majority of patients are sensitized to tree mix, containing pollen extracts from Betulaceae (Birch family) and Salicaceae (Willow family). Using individual allergenic extracts from tree pollens, we found that patients are sensitized primarily to the most widespread Betulaceae species in Bulgaria: hazel, alder, birch and hornbeam. In the majority of patients was observed cross reactivity and/or co sensitization towards this four birch species.