Aerobiology, allergenicity and biochemistry of three pollen types in Berhampore town of West Bengal, India

An aerobiological survey was performed in Berhampore town of West Bengal, India, to know the frequency of three common airborne pollen, namely Acacia auriculiformis, Eucalyptus citriodora and Madhuca indica using an ASTIR one day volumetric sampler. Acacia pollen showed its peak concentration in September, followed by Madhuca in April, while Eucalyptus showed its two peaks between September–October and January–April. Meteorological factors like temperature, RH, rainfall played an important role in release and dispersal of pollen. Skin prick tests with the antigenic extracts of the three pollen types, showed their allergenic potentialities. The highest markedly positive reactions were exhibited by Eucalyptus (34.04%), followed by Madhuca (22.93%) and Acacia (21.87%). 30–60% (NH₄)₂ SO₄ cut fraction (Fraction II) of each pollen type showed maximum positivity in skin prick test. Biochemical analysis showed that Acacia pollen was richer in protein and carbohydrate, than the other two types. The total protein component of the above types were studied by SDS-PAGE showing different protein bands with a range of molecular weight 29–110 KD. In isolated fraction II (allergenically most potent) of Eucalyptus and Madhuca different protein band of 43–200 KD were obtained, while a single protein band of 57 KD was obtained for Acacia. The IgE specific allergenic reactivity was confirmed by Dot-blotting technique. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.