Correlation between airborne pollen incidence, skin prick tests and serum immunoglobulins in allergic people in cracowm, poland

Abstract Fifty patients suffering from pollen allergy were observed during the period 1988–1989. At the same airborne pollen content was examined using volumetric and gravimetric sampling methods. The mean daily symptom scores and percentages of patients with symptoms of allergy during the pollen season correlated positively with the airborne pollen content of wild Gramincae and Cerealia (Secale cereale). Skin prick test results and elevated levels of specific serum IgE confirmed the presence of allergy to these taxa in the patients observed. Allergy to tree pollen and herb pollen was confirmed in only 3 cases. Elevated levels of specific serum IgE for Dactylis glomerata, Pltleum pratense, and Secale cereale appeared in 70–80% of patients. Specific serum IgE levels correlated more with skin prick reactions (especially with late phase reactions) than with total serum IgE levels. Airborne pollen concentrations evaluated by volumetric sampling (Burckard trap) ad by a gravimetric method differ in so many deta...