Pollen and mold survey of Baghdad, Iraq.

There are few known adequate or accurate pollen surveys of the various climates of the Middle East. Certain of these countries, such as Iraq and Iran, have tested alleged "hay fever plants" but such surveys have been primitive and are based on searching for the families of hay fever plants of other nations within their boundaries. No sophisticated studies exist. This study is the result of a recent visit to Baghdad where the authors performed an admittedly rough plant survey, particularly identifying the flora indigenous to the area. Subsequently a roughly spaced mod survey was undertaken. The authors hope that a thorough pollen survey will eventually be made in these countries to enable physicians to better care for their allergic patients.