Aerobiological survey in L'Aquila (Italy) throughout 1988 to 1990

Summary Airborne pollens were sampled in L'Aquila (Italy) throughout 1988 to 1990. Our data indicate that the flowering seasons of pollens mostly accounting for airborne concentrations are somewhat unique as compared to other Mediterranean areas. The prolonged season of Cupressaceae as well as the two different flowering seasons of Oleaceae, namely ofFraxinus, Ligustrum andOlea europaea, respectively, were the most relevant findings of our study. Furthermore, it is also worth to note thatParietaria judaica could be detected during the study period throughout March to June, but not in late summer and early autumn, as expected.Moreover, we evaluated the frequency of different pollen sensitizations in 2813 patients requiring medical care during the study period because of allergic diseases, such as conjunctivitis, oculorhinitis, and bronchial asthma. Our data demonstrate that both Compositae and Urticaceae proved to be the most allergenic pollens despite the low airborne concentrations detected. Finally, a relevant finding was the highOlea sensitization among patients with bronchial asthma.