Olea europaea pollen counts and aeroallergen levels predict clinical symptoms in patients allergic to olive pollen

Background: Allergic symptoms are commonly related to atmospheric pollen counts in sensitized allergic individuals. However, concordance between symptoms, pollen counts, and aeroallergen concentrations is not always good. Objectives: To determine the correlation between olive pollen counts, aeroallergen levels, and clinical symptoms in patients with allergic asthma or rhinitis in Ciudad Real (Spain). Methods: Two types of samplers were used to determine pollen exposure: a Burkard spore trap to collect pollen grains and a high-volume air sampler to collect airborne particles. A total of 366 air filters were collected. After extraction, they were analyzed by specific immunoglobulin E enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition using a serum pool containing high titers of olive-specific immunoglobulin E. Twenty olive-pollen monosensitized patients were asked to record their daily symptoms before, during, and after the olive pollen season. Results: Olive pollen was detected between April 21 and June 30, 2004. Symptoms showed positive and significant correlations with pollen counts (r = 0.700, P < .001) and aeroallergen levels (r = 0.803, P < .001). Using a Poisson regression model, relative changes in aeroallergen concentrations and pollen counts were found to be similar and significant. Threshold levels for the induction of symptoms were 162 olive pollen grains/m(3) and 22.7 ng of olive pollen allergen/m(3) (equivalent to 0.9 ng/m(3) of Ole e 1). Conclusions: Olive aeroallergen concentrations and pollen counts are positively associated with symptoms of rhinitis and asthma in olive-allergic patients. Both data may be used in the clinical follow-up of these patients. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2011;106:146-152.