title: Clinical relevance of Corylus pollen in Poznań, western Poland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Central Europe, hazel (Corylus sp.) pollen is considered to be an important aeroallergen in early spring.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examines hazel pollen levels in Poznań, western Poland, and the clinical relevance of this aeroallergen in the city.
  
  
  METHODS
  Corylus pollen data (1996-2010) were obtained by volumetric spore trap located near the centre of Poznań. Clinical data (2006-2010), i.e. skin prick test (SPT) and allergen-specific IgE measurements (asIgE), were supplied by the Allergy Diseases Diagnostic Centre in Poznań.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean diurnal hazel pollen concentrations peaked around 14:00-16:00 when mean bi-hourly pollen concentrations were ~60 P m(-3). Onset of the hazel pollen season varied up to 87 days annually, and was significantly (r=-0.647; p<0.01) related to mean maximum temperature during late December. SPT data revealed that ~11% of allergy patients had positive skin reactions to Corylus pollen allergens, and most of these (94.4%) reacted to pollen allergens from other members of the Betulaceae family - alder or birch. Of those sensitized, 53% suffered from atopic dermatitis. Of patients examined for serum asIgE, 26.0% had asIgE measurements in classes 5 and 6.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hazel pollen has a detrimental effect on the allergic population of Poznań, with more than half of those sensitised to hazel pollen allergens showing symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Hazel pollen concentrations reach levels recognized as being able to induce allergy symptoms, especially in the afternoon and early evening when many people are returning home from work. The cross-reactivity with other members of the Fagales order also increases the allergenic potential of hazel pollen.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland.
authors.forename: Lukasz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grewling
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Medical Science, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jenerowicz
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland; Department of Dermatology, University of Medical Science, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Medical Science, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Polańska
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, 61-614 Poznań, Umultowska 89, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland.
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jackowiak
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Medical Science, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Czarnecka-Operacz
authors.affiliation: Research Group Aerobiology and Pollen Information, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D031211:Corylus; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012621:Seasons; D012882:Skin Tests; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E