Aerobiology ofCasuarina pollen and its significance as a potential aeroallergen

Summary The study of atmospheric pollen in Bangalore carried out during 1982–87 showed the pollen ofCasuarina to be the second most dominant airborne pollen. Similar studies elsewhere in India also showed a significant presence. In view of such high density, Prick tests withCasuarina pollen extracts were carried out in atopic patients and normal controls and comparative analysis showed significant allergenicity. Further corroborative evidence in favour of skin test positivity was revealed on grading by Cutaneous Thermal Scan, a new device which showed statistically significant higher mean ratio of rise in temperature at antigen site and buffer saline control site in positive atopic patients, than that in negative atopic patients, as well as normal controls. The results obtained so far substantiate the suggestion thatCasuarina pollen is a significant potential aeroallergen which deserves the serious attention of the allergists.