Airborne Cupressaceae Pollen and Its Major Allergen, Cup a 1, in Urban Green Areas of Southern Iberian Peninsula
Autor
Linares, Concepción De
Plaza, María Pilar
Valle, Ana M.
Alcázar, Purificación
Díaz de la Guardia, Consuelo
Galán, Carmen
Editor
MDPIFecha
2021Materia
AllergensCup a 1
Cupressaceae pollen
PM10
PM2.5
Airborne pollution
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Cupressaceae pollen is responsible for winter respiratory allergies in the Mediterranean
area. Pollen grains of this diverse family share the same characteristics under light microscopy.
Consequently, the partial contribution of each Cupressaceae species to the airborne pollen spectrum
cannot be determined with conventional aerobiological methods. Studies on major aeroallergens offer
better information on the allergic sensitization and appearance of symptoms in patients sensitized to
airborne pollen and spores. Our aim was to determine if airborne Cupressaceae pollen concentrations
correspond to aerodynamics of the major allergen of Cupressus (Cup a 1), as well as the aeroallergen
correlation with different-sized particles. The air was sampled in two cities of Southern Spain
(Granada and Córdoba) using the Hirst-type volumetric sampler for airborne pollen detection
during 2006 to 2008 and the Andersen Cascade Impactor for aeroallergen detection during the
main pollination period of Cupressaceae in the same period. The samples were analyzed by the
methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA), the minimum requirements of
the European Aeroallergen Society (EAS) for pollen, and by ELISA immunoassay to detect airborne
Cup a 1. The distribution patterns of airborne Cupressaceae pollen and Cup a 1 were observed
throughout the sampling period, although with some irregular oscillations. Cupressaceae pollen and
Cup a 1 showed positive and significant correlation during the period of maximum concentrations
(January to March). However, the results of this study showed that the period of exposure of
aeroallergens depends on the Cupressus species and their abundance in cities. According to the
allergy potential obtained, species like C. arizonica could release more allergens than other species
like C. sempervirens.