Evaluation of the allergenic capacity of three pollen grains in a tropical region (Medellín, Colombia).

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of IgE sensitization and allergenic capacity of pollen grains of Artocarpus communis, Cecropia peltata and Fraxinus uhdei in allergic rhinitis patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with comparative groups: a rhinitis group and a control group. The three pollen extracts were prepared, and IgE sensitization was assessed using the skin prick test and serum-specific IgE. Allergenicity and clinical relevance were subsequently evaluated using the basophil activation test (BAT) and the nasal challenge test (NCT).

Results: A total of 60 people were included in the control group and 60 in the case group. None in the control group and a total of 8 (13.3%) from the rhinitis group were sensitized to one of the 3 pollen extracts: two (3.3%) to A. communis, two (3.3%) to C. peltata and four (6.6%) to F. uhdei. All three extracts were able to induce basophil activation in patients with IgE sensitization, but not in those without sensitization. NCT was performed in the eight patients with IgE sensitization, resulting positive for 1/2 patients with Artocarpus, 1/2 with Cecropia y 2/4 with Fraxinus.

Conclusions: All three pollen sources tested induce IgE sensitization and clinical symptoms, highlighting the importance of evaluating the allergenicity of native plant sources for each region.