Aerobiological and clinical study in the semidesertic area of the Southeastern of Spain

Abstract

Aerobiological studies constitute a relevant tool to predict the most influential parameters over the pollen seasons with significant clinical relevance in the allergic populations. The aim of this study was to describe the aerobiological behaviour of the most relevant allergenic sources in the semi-arid area of southeast of Spain (Almería) and to investigate the correlation with meteorological factors and clinical symptoms of allergic patients. Daily pollen count and meteorological parameters of Almería, Spain, were compiled for ten years. The clinical symptoms of 248 allergic patients were also recorded. Descriptive statistics and correlations between variables were assessed. Multivariate analyses were performed to predict the influence of meteorological factors on pollen concentration and the risk of suffer respiratory symptoms. Eight pollen families were identified as the most relevant allergenic sources. Temperature correlated with main pollen season evolution of all taxa whereas rainfall and relative humidity only correlated in Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae and Urticaceae. Rainfall and relative humidity were the most influential predictors of pollen concentration, except in Amaranthaceaea and Poaceae families, while temperature only influenced on Cupressaceae and Urticaceae pollen concentrations. A significant positive influence was observed between maximum temperature and rainfall with the appearance of allergic symptoms in patients sensitized to grasses, Parietaria sp. and Olea sp. This study, highlight the main aerobiological features in the region and establish a suitable tool for clinical follow-up and management of allergic patients. Further studies are needed to establish an accurate measurement aimed to control and prevent pollinosis in sensitized patients.

Keywords: Oleaceae; aerobiology; pollen count; prevalence; temperature; weather influence.