Clinical Relevance

IgE-mediated reactions

Anecdotal evidence suggests that asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, similar to reactions caused by other members of this family, are possible following exposure to pollen from this tree; however, few specific studies have been reported to date.

The objective of a study was to examine aeroallergen sensitization rates among children of the military in Texas who were undergoing skin testing for rhinitis, and to investigate the timing of atopic development in relation to perennial and seasonal allergens. A total of 345 children underwent testing to a 51-allergen panel. A total of 80.3% had at least 1 positive test result, and the average number of positive test results was 11.4. The most common active allergens were grasses, Alternaria, and Cottonwood. Thirty-two of 51 allergens were positive in 20% or more children. Sixteen percent of the children were skin prick-positive for Queen palm.

The daily pollen concentration in the atmosphere of Badajoz, in southwestern Spain, over a 6-year period demonstrated the presence of Arecaceae spp.

Cross-Reactivity

An extensive cross-reactivity among the different individual species of the genus could be expected, as well as to a certain degree among members of the family Arecaceae