Prevalence of Sensitization to Parietaria, Pinus, Cupressus and Morus Pollens in Patients From CRAIC

Background: The pollens of Cupressus, Parietaria, Pinus and Morus are important causes of allergic respiratory diseases. In a study of pollen concentration in Monterrey in 2004, these pollens occupied the first places in frequency. The objective was to determine the prevalence of sensitization to Parietaria, Pinus, Cupressus and Morus in patients from CRAIC (Regional Center of allergy and clinical immunology, Monterrey, México)

Methods: Is an observational, cross-comparative, double-blind study in which patients were included if they underwent prick tests to aeroallergens in CRAIC between October 2009 to February 2010. All patients underwent skin testing with allergen extracts for Parietaria, Pinus, Cupressus and Morus pollens two of each, a weight-volume (dilution 1:20) and other units.

Results: We included a total of 256 patients, 140 female (53.1%), 130 (50.8%) were under 18 years. The prick test with allergenic extract of Cupressus was positive in 39 (15.2%) patients  with W/V and 18 (7%) patients with PNU, the prick test to Parietaria allergenic extract was positive in 3 (1.2%) patients W/ V and 4 (1.6%) patients with BAU, the prick test with Pinus allergenic extract was positive in 4 patients (1.6%) with W/V and 2 patients (0.8%) with PNU, and the prick test with Morus allergen was positive in 19 patients (7.4%) with W/V in 8 patients (3.1%) with PNU. Of the 44 aeroallergens our center applies Cupressus (1:20) ranked 7th place.

Conclusions: Cupressus sensitization was high in our study group (15.2%). Consideration should be the routine use of allergen extract of Cupressus for diagnosis and treatment in patients with respiratory allergy.