CUPRESSACEAE POLLINOSIS IN THE MADRID AREA

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).