Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Relationship between airborne pollen and skin prick test results in Elazığ, Turkey

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Aerobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the types of pollen in the air and sensitization to pollen in a skin prick test in allergic children. The pollen in the atmosphere of Elazığ city was measured between June 2013 and June 2014. The study included 520 children with allergic complaints. In the atmosphere of Elazığ city, pollen belonging to a total of 38 taxa was identified, including 20 woody plants and 18 herbaceous plants. The annual pollen integral of 108,313 pollen day/m3 from the 38 taxa was identified. The most common pollen detected was woody plants (76.4%), weeds (14.1%), Poaceae (Gramineae) (9.1%), and unidentified plants (0.4%). The skin prick test in allergic children found that they were most commonly sensitized to mixture of grasses and cereals (43.8%), weed (14.1%), tree mixture I (10.1%), and tree mixture II (7.9%). There was no direct relationship between the frequency of pollen types in the atmosphere and the sensitization frequency to pollen, as identified by the skin prick test in allergic patients. We believe that the data from this study will provide new information to other researchers and clinicians in the evaluation of allergic diseases.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Altintaş, D. U., Karakoç, G. B., Yilmaz, M., Pinar, M., Kendirli, S. G., & Cakan, H. (2004). Relationship between pollen counts and weather variables in east-Mediterranean coast of Turkey: Does it affect allergic symptoms in pollen allergic children? Clinical and Developmental Immunology,11, 87–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andersson, K., & Lidholm, J. (2003). Characteristics and immunobiology of grass pollen allergens. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology,130(2), 87–107.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asam, C., Hofer, H., Wolf, M., Aglas, L., & Wallner, M. (2015). Tree pollen allergens-an update from a molecular perspective. Allergy,70(10), 1201–1211.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behçet, L. (2004). A new record for the flora of Turkey: Ambrosia tenuifolia Spreng. (Compositae). Turkish Journal of Botany,28, 201–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bıçakçı, A. (2011). Seasonal and regional airborne pollen concentration in Turkey. Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Allergy-Special Topics,4(1), 10–14. (Article in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bıçakçı, A., Altunoğlu, M. K., Bilişik, A., Çelenk, S., Canıtez, Y., Malyer, H., et al. (2009a). Airborne pollen grains of Turkey. Asthma Allergy Immunology,7, 11–17. (Article in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bıçakçı, A., Altunoğlu, M. K., Tosunoğlu, A., Çelenk, S., Canıtez, Y., Malyer, H., et al. (2009b). Allergenic airborne Olea (olive) and Fraxinus (ash) pollenconcentrations belonging to the Oleaceae family in Turkey. Asthma Allergy Immunology,7, 133–146. (Article in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bıçakçı, A., Çelenk, S., Altunoğlu, M. K., Bilişik, A., Canıtez, Y., Malyer, H., et al. (2009c). Allergenic airborne Poaceae(Grass) pollen concentrations in Turkey. Asthma Allergy Immunology,7, 90–99. (Article in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bıçakçı, A., & Tosunoğlu, A. (2015). Allergenic Ambrosia (ragweed) pollen concentrations in Turkey. Asthma Allergy Immunology,13, 33–46. (Article in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bıçakçı, A., Tosunoğlu, A., Altunoğlu, M. K., Akkaya, A., Malyer, H., & Sapan, N. (2011). Allergenic Pinus (pine) pollen concentrations in Turkey. Asthma Allergy Immunology,9, 92–100. (Article in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bousquet, J., Cour, P., Guerin, B., & Michel, F. B. (1984). Allergy in the Mediterranean area. I. Pollen counts and pollinosis of Montpellier. Clinical and Experimental Allergy,14(3), 249–258.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bousquet, J., Heinzerling, L., Bachert, C., Papadopoulos, N. G., Bousquet, P. J., Burney, P. G., et al. (2012). Practical guide to skin prick tests in allergy to aeroallergens. Allergy,67(1), 18–24.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Čamprag, S. N., Popović, A., & Đorđević, D. (2015). Air pollution by pollen grains of Anemophilous Species: Influence of chemical and meteorological parameters. Water, Air, and Soil pollution,226(9), 226–292.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canıtez, Y., Perçin, K., & Sapan, N. (2007). Allergen sensitivies of the children with asthma in Bursa, Türkiye. Allergy,62, 419–420.

    Google Scholar 

  • Celenk, S., Bicakci, A., Tamay, Z., Guler, N., Altunoglu, M. K., Canitez, Y., et al. (2010). Airborne pollen in European and Asian parts of Istanbul. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment,164(1–4), 391–402.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Charpin, J., Surinyach, R., & Frankland, A. W. (1974). Atlas of European allergenic pollens. Paris: Sandos Editions.

    Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato, G., Cecchi, L., Bonini, S., Nunes, C., Annesi-Maesano, I., Behrendt, H., et al. (2007). Allergenic pollen and pollen allergy in Europe. Allergy,62(9), 976–990.

    Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato, G., & Lobefalo, G. (1989). Allergenic pollens in the southern Mediterranean area. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,83(1), 116–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Driessen, M. N., & Quanjer, P. H. (1991). Pollen deposition in intrathoracic airways. European Respiratory Journal,4(3), 359–363.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Esch, R. E. (2008). Grass pollen allergens. Clinical Allergy and Immunology,21, 107–126.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Esch, R. E., & Bush, R. K. (2009). Aerobiology of outdoor allergens. In N. F. Adkinson, B. S. Bochner, W. W. Busse, S. T. Holgate, R. F. Lemanske & F. E. R. Simons (Eds.), Middleton’s allergy: Principles and practice (7th Edn., Vol. 1, pp. 509–537). Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Esch, R. E., & Klapper, D. G. (1989). Isolation and characterization of a major cross-reactive grass group I allergenic determinant. Molecular Immunology,26(6), 557–561.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gadermaier, G., Dedic, A., Obermeyer, G., Frank, S., Himly, M., & Ferreira, F. (2004). Biology of weed pollen allergens. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports,4(5), 391–400.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gadermaier, G., Hauser, M., & Ferreira, F. (2014). Allergens of weed pollen: An overview on recombinant and natural molecules. Methods,66(1), 55–66.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Galán, C., Cariñanos, P., Alcázar, P., & Dominguez-Vilches, E. (2007). Spanish aerobiology network (REA) management and quality manual. Servicio de Publicaciones Universidad de Córdoba. ISBN 978-84-690-6353-8.

  • García-Mozo, H., Oteros, J. A., & Galán, C. (2016). Impact of land cover changes and climate on the main airborne pollen types in Southern Spain. Science of the Total Environment,548–549, 221–228.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heinzerling, L. M., Burbach, G. J., Edenharter, G., Bachert, C., Bindslev-Jensen, C., Bonini, S., et al. (2009). GA(2)LEN skin test study I: GA(2)LEN harmonization of skin prick testing-novel sensitization patterns for inhalant allergens in Europe. Allergy,64(10), 1498–1506.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaeger, S. (2008). Exposure to grass pollen in Europe. Clinical and Experimental Allergy,8(1), 2–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jato, V., Dopazo, A., & Aira, M. J. (2002). Influence of precipitation and temperature on airborne pollen concentration in Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Grana,41(4), 232–241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jato, V., Rodríguez-Rajo, F. J., Seijo, M. C., & Aira, M. J. (2009). Poaceae pollen in Galicia (N.W. Spain): Characterisation and recent trends in atmospheric pollen season. International Journal of Biometeorology,53(4), 333–344.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kilic, M., & Taskin, E. (2016). Distribution of inhalant allergies in pediatric patients presenting with allergic complaints in the Eastern Anatolia Region. Minerva Pediatrica,68(4), 269–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makra, L., Juhász, M., Borsos, E., & Béczi, R. (2004). Meteorological variables connected with airborne ragweed pollen in Southern Hungary. International Journal of Biometeorology,49(1), 37–47.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohapatra, S. S., Lockey, R. F., & Polo, F. (2008). Weed pollen allergens. Clinical Allergy and Immunology,21, 127–139.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mothes, N., Horak, F., & Valenta, R. (2004). Transition from a botanical to a molecular classification in tree pollen allergy: Implications for diagnosis and therapy. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology,135(4), 357–373.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Negrini, A. C. (1992). Pollen as allergens. Aerobiologia,8, 9–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Şahiner, U. M., Civelek, E., Yavuz, S. T., Büyüktiryaki, A. B., Tuncer, A., & Şekerel, B. E. (2012). Skin prick testing to aeroallergen extracts: What is the optimal panel in children and adolescents in Turkey? International Archives of Allergy and Immunology,157(4), 391–398.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, M., & Hays, A. (2016). Indoor and outdoor allergies. Primary Care,43(3), 451–463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, A. B., & Shahi, S. (2008). Aeroallergens in clinical practice of allergy in India-ARIA Asia Pacific Workshop report. Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology,26(4), 245–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Subiza, J., Jerez, M., Jiménez, J. A., Narganes, M. J., Cabrera, M., Varela, S., et al. (1995). Allergenic pollen pollinosis in Madrid. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,96(1), 15–23.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suphioglu, C., Singh, M. B., Taylor, P., Knox, R. B., Bellomo, R., Holmes, P., et al. (1992). Mechanism of grass-pollen induced asthma. The Lancet,339(8793), 569–572.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swoboda, I., Twaroch, T., Valenta, R., & Grote, M. (2008). Tree pollen allergens. Clinical Allergy and Immunology,21, 87–105.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Szczepanek, K., Myszkowska, D., Worobiec, E., Piotrowicz, K., Ziemianin, M., & Bielec-Bąkowska, Z. (2017). The long-range transport of Pinaceae pollen: An example in Kraków (southern Poland). Aerobiologia (Bologna),33(1), 109–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tezcan, D., Uzuner, N., Sule, T. C., Karaman, O., & Köse, S. (2003). Retrospective evaluation of epidermal skin prick tests in patients living in Aegean region. Allergologia et Immunopathologia,31(4), 226–230.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weber, R. W. (2003). Meteorologic variables in aerobiology. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America,23(3), 411–422.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wodehouse, R. P. (1959). Pollen grains. New York: Hofner Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey

    M. Kilic

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey

    M. K. Altunoglu, S. Akpınar & G. E. Akdogan

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey

    E. Taskin

  4. Cocuk Sagligi ve Hastalikları Anabilim Dalı, Fırat Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, 23119, Elazig, Turkey

    M. Kilic

Authors
  1. M. Kilic
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. K. Altunoglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Akpınar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. G. E. Akdogan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. E. Taskin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Kilic.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the clinic.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kilic, M., Altunoglu, M.K., Akpınar, S. et al. Relationship between airborne pollen and skin prick test results in Elazığ, Turkey. Aerobiologia 35, 593–604 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-019-09595-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-019-09595-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation