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Hackberry

Hackberry

Hackberry Scientific Information
Type: Whole Allergen
Display Name: Hackberry
Allergen code: t44
Family: Ulmaceae
Latin Name: Celtis occidentalis
Other Names: Hackberry, northern hackberry

Clinical Relevance

IgE-mediated reactions

Although C. tala was reported over 4 decades ago to be an important cause of hay fever in Argentina, affecting up to 44% of patients, very few studies have evaluated the significance of this tree pollen in allergy. C. occidentalis and other species of Celtis are generally included in decades-old lists of hay fever plants or plants potentially causing hay fever. The most important hackberry for hay fever was reported to be C. occidentalis. Asthma has not been described in this connection.

A study that examined aeroallergen sensitisation rates in allergic rhinitis-affected military children in Texas found that of 345 children tested using a 51-allergen panel, 80.3% had at least 1 positive test result, and the average number of positive test results was 11.4. The most common allergens were grasses, Alternaria, and cottonwood. Thirty-two of 51 allergens were positive in 20% or more children. Almost 30% were skin-prick test-positive for hackberry. The same authors investigated the prevalence of positive skin-test responses in 1 137 symptomatic military patients aged 4-79 years old, using a skin-prick testing panel of 53 aeroallergens. At least one positive skin test was recorded in 81.6% of patients. Approximately 26% were sensitised to hackberry. In a more recent study by the lead author and others, serum IgE testing was compared to skin-prick testing for 53 inhalant allergens using subjects > or = 18 years old with chronic rhinitis, and who had at least 1 positive ST to a 53-inhalant allergen panel. The mean number of positive ST and CAP results were similar. For hackberry, 43% were sensitised according to skin-prick tests, versus 25% with serum-specific IgE testing.

Research has indicated a high prevalence of hackberry pollen in Argentina, but the studies were not correlated with clinical reports.

The closely related species C. sinensis was introduced to the south-eastern region of Queensland, Australia, and its pollen has been identified as an allergen source.

References
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