engleski

De novo sensitization to ragweed in children from different regions of Croatia.

Background Climate changes can induce alterations in biodiversity, which causes spreading of novel species (such as ragweed - Ambrosia sp.) that influence the prevalence and onset of atopic diseases, such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjuctivitis and atopic dermatitis. As these species are not native to certain areas and regions they may act as novel and quite potent allergens in sensitizing the domicile population. Children's Hospital Srebrnjak was a part of FP7 project ATOPICA (Atopic diseases in changing climate, land use and air quality) supported by EU Grant agreement NO: CP 282687), during which we investigated the combined pan- European impact of changes in climate, land use and air pollution on allergen pollen-induced diseases with an accent on atopy due to ragweed sensitization. Materials and methods 3590 children (aged 4-10 years), were recruited from 3 different regions of Croatia differing in airborne pollen concentrations (Slavonia, Zagreb and Dalmatia). Skin prick test (SPT) to the standard set of aeroallergens was performed in all of the participants. In addition, pollen concentrations and air quality data were gathered from authorized institutions for each region. Results Our results showed that a total of 369 children were sensitized to ragweed pollen. Prevalence of ragweed sensitization was 14.84 % in Zagreb area, 14.26 % in Slavonia and 1.52 % in Dalmatia. Comparing the highest pollen concentrations during ragweed pollinating period among 3 regions, Dalmatia has the lowest concentration of ragweed pollen of 30-40 grains/m3, while Zagreb measures 250- 300 grains/m3 and Slavonia 700-1000 grains/m3 per 24 hours. After two pollen seasons of follow-up, de novo sensitized children were recorded: 2.88% in Zagreb area, 2, 73% in Slavonia and 0, 00% in Dalmatia. Pollen diary data (data on overall simptom score, eyes, nose, lungs symptoms/problems, usage of medicine and daily activity) also showed correlation between ragweed pollen concentrations and severity of symptoms. Conclusions In comparison to Dalmatia, region of Slavonia and Zagreb area measure highest ragweed pollen concentrationsand also all of the de novo sensitized children, which leads to assumption that de novo sensitization rates are primary correlated to exposure levels to ragweed pollen.

Sensitization ; Allergy ; Ragweed ; Pollen ; Children

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