Try for free

Firebush (Kochia)

Firebush (Kochia)

Firebush (Kochia) Scientific Information
Type: Whole Allergen
Display Name: Firebush (Kochia)
Allergen code: w17
Family: Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae)
Latin Name: Kochia scoparia (Synonyms: Bassia scoparia, Chenopodium scoparia)
Other Names: Firebush, Kochia, Common Kochia
WHO/ICD-11 code: XM3EW6

Clinical Relevance

IgE mediated reactions

Anecdotal evidence suggests that asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are common following exposure to pollen from Kochia; however, few specific studies have been reported to date.

In one study in Thailand, Kochia was shown to be the second most important weed aeroallergen, with 14% of 100 patients with allergic rhinitis sensitised to it.

In a study in the Midwestern USA, evaluating the frequency of sensitisation to cannabis pollen, found that 61% were skin prick positive for cannabis and all subjects were also skin test positive to weeds pollinating during the same period: Ragweed, Pigweed, Cocklebur, Russian thistle, Marsh elder, and Kochia.

Among 1,159 patients attending an allergy clinic in Saudi Arabia, 51% of Saudi Arab patients and 28% of North American expatriates living in the area were sensitised to Kochia. This weed’s pollen was the 2 (nd) and 7 (th) most prevalent allergen sensitising the respective groups.

Kochia pollen is also common in Tehran, Iran, and a common cause of sensitisation in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Of 327 adult patients with respiratory, dermatologic and ophthalmologic diseases of suspected allergic origin who attended a Hospital based in the United Arab Emirates, skin prick tests found that 244 patients (74.6%) were sensitised to at least one allergen. The twelve most common allergens were: Mesquite (45.5%), Grass Mix (40.7%), Cottonwood (33.1%), Bermuda grass (31.3%), Kochia (25.8%), Acacia (25.6%), Alfalfa (22.9%), Chenopodium (19.6%), Date palm (13.8%), Cockroach (14.7%), house dust (11.9%) and dust mite (9.5%).

References
  1. Pumhirun P, Towiwat P, Mahakit P. Aeroallergen sensitivity of Thai patients with allergic rhinitis. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 1997;15(4):183-5.
  2. Bener A, Safa W, Abdulhalik S, Lestringant GG. An analysis of skin prick test reactions in asthmatics in a hot climate and desert environment. Allerg Immunol (Paris) 2002;34(8):281-6.
  3. Suliaman FA, Holmes WF, Kwick S, Khouri F, Ratard R. Pattern of immediate type hypersensitivity reactions in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997;78(4):415-8.
  4. Stokes JR, Hartel R, Ford LB, Casale TB. Cannabis (hemp) positive skin tests and respiratory symptoms. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000;85(3):238-40.
  5. Shafiee A. Atmospheric pollen counts in Tehran, Iran, 1974. Pahlavi Med J 1976;7(3):344-51.
  6. Lewis WH, Imber WE. Allergy epidemiology in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. IV. weeds. Ann Allergy 1975;35(3):180-7.
  7. Wurtzen PA, Nelson HS, Lowenstein H, Ipsen H. Characterization of Chenopodiales (Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Kochia scoparia, Salsola pestifer) pollen allergens. Allergy 1995;50(6):489-97.
  8. Tehrani M, Sankian M, Assarehzadegan MA, Falak R, Jabbari F, Varasteh A. Immunochemical characterization of amaranthus retroflexus pollen extract: extensive cross-reactive allergenic components among the four species of amaranthaceae/chenopodiaceae. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2010;9(2):87-95.
  9. Lombardero M, Duffort O, Selles JG, Hernandez J, Carreira J. Cross-reactivity among Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae. Ann Allergy 1985;54(5):430-6.
  10. Yman L. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. 1982: ISBN 91-970475-09.