Background There is no previous report of Cupressaceae pollinosis in t
he Madrid area. Objective To ascertain the presence of Cupressaceae po
llinosis in the Madrid area. Methods Thirty-six patients were studied
who had winter pollinosis symptoms and a positive skin test to C. ariz
onica. They were skin tested with C. sempervirens (Abello, Madrid), C.
arizonica. (in-house extract) and other common inhalant allergens (Ab
ello). Total IgE was measured and specific IgE to C. arizonica, C. sem
pervirens ens and J. sabinoides was deter-mined. Results Six of the pa
tients were only sensitized to Cupressaceae pollens, whereas 30 patien
ts had also sensitivity to other pollens (oleaceae 28, plantain 27, gr
asses 25, chenopodium 25, compositae 23, Parietaria 9) and LS patients
were also sensitized to other inhalant allergens (animals 17, mites 4
, moulds 2). Conclusion These results confirm the existence of allergy
to Cupressaceae pollens in Madrid (Spain).