Birch-naïve, oak-allergic subjects’ response to birch pollen in an
environmental chamber
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oak and birch pollens are known to have strong
cross-reactivity. It is unknown how robust this cross-reactivity is in
subjects without natural exposure to pollen of both trees. We aimed to
assess in an Allergen Challenge Chamber (ACC), the symptomatic
responsiveness to birch pollen in subjects allergic to and naturally
exposed to Virginia Live Oak (VLO) pollen and SPT-sensitive but not
naturally exposed to birch pollen. METHODS: Subjects underwent
SPT and blood draw for ssIgE to oak and birch antigens. Residential
historical data were obtained. Subjects were exposed to birch pollen
(3,500 ±700 gr/m 3) in 2 consecutive 3-hour
challenges. Symptoms were recorded at baseline and 30-minute intervals.
RESULTS: Twenty-four subjects, 12 males, age 20-58 yrs,
completed the study. Sixteen subjects (66.7%) responded with high total
symptom scores (TSS) ≥10 of max 21. Twelve subjects (50%) had ssIgE
≥0.70 kU/L to oak. Subjects with a Class II ssIgE to oak pollen had a
significantly higher max TSS than those without. Fifteen subjects
without natural exposure to birch pollen responded with TSS equivalent
to 9 with previous natural exposure. Those without natural birch
exposure also responded similarly to subjects in birch endemic areas
reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: Subjects allergic to
oak pollen residing in South Texas, responded to birch pollen in an ACC
with symptoms comparable to both those with previous exposure and also
those residing in endemic areas and reported by other researchers. This
robust response of cross-reactivity in oak-allergic subjects, without
prior endemic exposure, suggests that a cross-reactive intervention
could be efficacious.