Sensitization to oil palm pollen associates with risks and severity of
allergic diseases
Abstract
Background: Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) pollen is one
of the most predominant species of inhalant allergens in the tropical
Southeast Asia region; however, its association with the manifestation
of allergic diseases remains largely unexplored. We aimed to determine
the sensitization pattern of oil palm pollen and associate this with the
risk and severity of allergic diseases. Methods: Participants
were recruited as a part of the Singapore and Malaysia cross-sectional
genetic and epidemiological study (SMCSGES). Two independent cohorts
were recruited: n=564 serum samples were collected and
serological assessment was performed against a panel of 16 crude
inhalant allergens including house dust mite, pet, insect, pollen, and
fungal allergens; n=13,652 Singapore/Malaysia Chinese young
adults were recruited and skin prick test was used to assess oil palm
sensitization, which was tested for its association with the risk and
severity of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD).
Results: The sensitization rate of oil palm pollen is 9.6% in
the n=564 Singapore/Malaysia cohort. In the n=13,652
Singapore/Malaysia Chinese cohort, oil palm sensitization significantly
associates with increased risks of asthma ( p=1.34x10
-4), AR ( p=2.91x10 -13), and
AD ( p=6.95x10 -7). Asthmatic patients with oil
palm sensitization have increased risks of wheezing ( p=0.00995),
nocturnal cough ( p=0.0122), and exacerbations (
p=0.00139) in the past 12 months. AR patients with oil palm
sensitization also have an increased risk of developing
moderate-to-severe symptoms ( p=0.00113). Conclusions:
We have identified significant associations of oil palm sensitization
with increased risks, exacerbations, and the severity of symptoms of
allergic diseases in the tropical Southeast Asian region
(Singapore/Malaysia).