Are there any links between hop Japanese pollen and other weed pollens or food allergens on skin prick tests?

Recent investigations suggest that the importance of Hop Japanese pollen, w hich has been known as one of the major causative weed pollens, is increasi ng in this country. There have been few data dealing with the allergenic re lationship between Hop J pollen and other food or inhalant allergens. Among 2909 patients who visited the Allergy Clinic of Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea, 471 patients sensitized to Hop J, mugwort, or ragweed pollens on skin-prick test were enrolled Positive rates to common inhalant or food allergens and their allergenic relationships with other pollens or food al lergens were analyzed based upon skin-prick test results. The positive rate s to sunflower, fat hen, nettle, grass (Bermuda, Orchard) and tree (alder; birch, and poplar) pollen were significantly higher in those sensitized to Hop J pollen than in those of negative responders (p < 0.05 respectively). No significant associations were noted with ragweed or mugwort pollen (p > 0.05, respectively). In regard to food-related allergens, an association wa s noted between Hop (Humulus lupulus) or celery allergens in those sensitiz ed to Hop J pollen (p < 0.05, respectively). Hop J pollen may have possible links with celery, Hop, and sunflower pollens on skin-prick test. Further in vitro investigations will be needed to evaluate the possibility of cross -reacting components between them.