Incidence of allergenic pollen of Acer spp., Fraxinus spp. and Platanus spp. in the city of La Plata, Argentina

Abstract

This work studies the airborne pollen concentrations of Acer spp.,Fraxinus spp. and Platanus spp. since the pollen of these three taxa has been characterized as etiological agents of pollinosis. These tree species are present in large amounts in the streets of La Plata city.The aeropalynological monitoring was performed with a Hirst-type spore trap (Lanzoni VPPS,2000). The emission period of the three taxa extends from approximately late August to October.The maximum cumulative total of arboreal pollen was found to be 30824.7 from September 12 to 18. This period coincides with the peak of total pollen concentration.Pollen grains trapped were analysed and expressed as daily averages of 5-hour bands per day during the whole year. Maximum pollen concentration was registered between 10 a.m.and 2 p.m. During the studied period, 67 patients examined at the Allergy Service of ``Hospital Interzonalde Agudos R. Rossi'' (La Plata) showed allergic disease. These allergenic episodes may be produced by the large amount of pollen trees in the city area.