Allergy in the Po Valley: evolution of sensitization profiles and phenology throughout 33 years and possible relationship with climate change

Abstract

Aim: Epidemiological surveys show substantial modification over time of pollens sensitization profiles, with relevant difference across geo-climatic zone. Climate changes can affect the onset, duration and production of the pollen season. Aim of the present study has been to assess the evolution over 33 years of the patients’ sensitization profile, together with pollen count and climate in a resident population of the Po Valley. Methods: Retrospective study of primary sensitizations to 6 major pollens (grass, pellitory, birch, olive, ragweed mugwort) from 1986 to 2019 on patients aged 12 years or older with respiratory allergic diseases living in Mantua suburbs. Pollen counts and season durations were recorded by the monitoring station of Parma. Meteorologic data have been downloaded from the historical archive of Mantua monitoring station. Results: A population of 3,489 patients who tested positive to pollens have been considered (34% to one pollen only; 66% poly-sensitized, 68% out of them to two or more pollens). Average annual temperature has risen of 1.4°C. An overall trend for extension of seasons duration and increase of pollen load has been observed. Sensitization rate to grass remained stable over time when pellitory showed a sudden decline. Sensitization rates to birch, olive and ragweed displayed a sharp increase. Conclusions: The present study proves that significant change on phenological phases of main allergenic plants, pollen load and sensitization profile of patients have occurred over the last decades. Global warming seems to be one of the main causes for these changes. More epidemiological studies differentiated by regional geo-climatic zone and a multidisciplinary approach to research on topic are needed.

Keywords

Pollen allergy / pollen phenology / plant phenology / climate change / global warming / aeroallergens / allergic disease

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