Study of airborne pollen composition and allergen spectrum of hay fever patients in South Hungary (1990-1999)

On the basis of their 10-year-long aeropalynological and allergological studies, the authors examined the changes in the allergen spectrum of hay fever patients in connection with the seasonality of the symptoms and pollen count of this period of 10 years. The results of skin prick tests (SPT) and case histories of patients examined in 1990/91 and 1998/99 were compared. Pollen counting was performed with a Hirst-type pollen trap. By the end of the observed period, the ratio of severely polysensitized patients (4 or more positive skin prick tests) increased significantly according to the significantly increased amount of positive skin prick tests to trees, rye and plantain. As the seasonality of the patients' symptoms did not change during this period, this increase in skin prick test positivity means latent allergy. However, in a few years time, it may become manifest allergy causing symptoms in the early springtime. According to the results of pollen counting, the atmospheric pollen pollution of the region was markedly high during the possible sensitization period of these patients.