Vol 43 # 2 June 2011 - Kma.org.kw

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Allergenicity to Allergens like Prosopis Juliflor and Date Tree Pollens in Saudi Arabia
June 2011
antibodies to Prosopis juliflora, where a higher level
of these pollens maybe found. However, in a test
conducted by Novey et al [2] , it was concluded that
mesquite pollen is a potent allergen capable of causing
immediate hypersensitivity reactions in a susceptible
population remotely from the plant source. Sensitivity
to one or more aeroallergens is common in patients,
indicating high level of aeroallergen sensitization in
patients with airway allergy residing in the Riyadh
region [13] .
Some progress on the biochemical aspect of Prosopis
allergen has been made, e.g., Prosopis juliflora pollen
allergen extract has been fractionated by sephadex
(G-100 gel filtration) [14] . Six different fractions were
obtained, which were confirmed by sodium dodecyl
sulphatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [15] . A
fraction called E (MW 20,000 kd) consisted mainly of
allergenic molecules [16,17] . However, it appears that no
other species of Prosopis has been studied in relation to
antigenic properties or compared with Prosopis juliflora.
Consequently, characterized and purified antigens
from Prosopis spp., as per WHO reference, have not
yet emerged. In addition, humoral and cellular crossreactivity
between Prosopis pollen and Phaseolus seed
allergens has been shown recently [17,18] .
CONCLUSION
The findings documented suggest that Prosopis
pollen is a sensitizing factor for allergic patients in
Saudi Arabia, with a considerable number of positive
reactions. As they are and will be introduced by the
millions as roadside ornamentation individuals in
these locations might be sensitized with Prosopis
juliflora. The sensitizing effect may take place at any
region where a higher level of this pollen may be
found. However, further studies and / or investigation
are needed to draw conclusions of prosopishypersensitivity
in many multiple sensitive patients
and we might consider Prosopis as one of the major
allergens in Saudi Arabia.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Authors convey their sincere thanks to National
Center for Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Management and all technicians who participated in
this study. Authors deeply appreciate Dr Mohammed
Alsaeed and Amany S. Emara from National Hospital,
for proof reading and their valuable comments to
improve this manuscript.
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