title: Seasonal variations of allergenic pollen in a Mediterranean region - Alexandroupolis, north-east Greece.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe the aerobiological characteristics of NE Greece, identify the most prevalent taxa, define the duration of the main pollen season and correlate allergen records with meteorological parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 7-day volumetric trap, running continuously throughout the year, was used to collect circulating pollen. Pollen taxa were characterized by standard protocols and counted as grains/m(3) . The main pollen season was deduced from these data and running means (10-day averages) were plotted against time. Correlations with climatic factors (temperature, rain, humidity, wind velocity) were assessed by single linear regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 11 pollen families were identified, including 6 arboreal and 5 non-arboreal taxa. The 5 most prevalent taxa were Oleaceae, Fagaceae, Poaceae, Cupressaceae and Pinaceae. Peak pollen concentrations were detected in April and May, with daily averages exceeding 410 grains/m(3) . Compositeae had the longest pollen season of 135 days and Oleaceae the shortest, extending to only 27 days. Correlations with meteorological parameters showed variable associations among different taxa, with mean temperature (p<0.001), relative humidity (p=0.015), and wind speed (p=0.042) emerging as the most significant determinants as regards total pollen counts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Describing the aerobiological characteristics of NE Greece enabled the identification of allergenic risks that are specific for this region. Records generated in this study can be used to alert sensitized individuals of prevailing seasonal patterns, in order to take necessary precautions against imminent exposures. The monitoring system established here can serve as a reference guide for future epidemiological research focusing on allergic asthma and rhinitis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nikolaidis
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Katotomichelakis
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Evangelia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nena
authors.affiliation: Allergy Unit "D. Kalogeromitros", 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical School, University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Makris
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Marios
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsakas
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Michopoulos
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Theodore C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Constantinidis
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Danielides
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D011058:Pollen / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D012621:Seasons; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens